On May 21 and 22, the Supreme Court of Canada will hear the Ford government’s appeal of the Court of Appeal for Ontario’s decision to rule Bill 307 unconstitutional and declare the offending provisions null and void. The following is a statement from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) condemning the government’s appeal and calling for the rights of Ontarians to meaningfully participate in the province’s democratic processes to be restored:

“In a blatant disregard for the Courts and the rights of Ontarians, the Ford government is appealing the resounding decision that declared Bill 307 unconstitutional. This is a betrayal of those who they were elected to serve, not silence.

The Court of Appeal for Ontario’s ruling was clear: Bill 307 violates fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Yet, instead of respecting the rule of law, the Ford government chose to prolong this egregious attack on democracy. Their ongoing efforts to override our Charter rights,  and to limit the voices of workers, labour unions, and all Ontarians are shameful. 

Bill 307 is a regressive piece of legislation that seeks to silence dissent and impose an authoritarian grip on our province. ETFO will not stand idly by as the Ford government willfully tramples on the democratic rights of Ontarians. We will continue to fight alongside our allies to ensure the rights of Ontarians are fully restored and Bill 307 is not reinstated.

We once again call on the Ford government to abandon its misguided appeal and respect the Court's decision. It is time for officials to listen to the voices of Ontarians, including their critics; this is foundational to democracy. 

ETFO stands united in defence of democracy, justice, and the rights of Ontarians’, which must be upheld. We will not waver in our commitment to protect the principles that underpin a fair and just society.”

ETFO represents approximately 83,000 members, including public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Visit BuildingBetterSchools.ca.