Welcome

District 13 OSSTF represents approximately 1550 permanent and 740 occasional teachers along with over 100 Professional Student Services Personnel in Durham region. Our union provides services to its members to protect them in their work and to enhance their professionalism through professional development workshops, health and safety training, collective agreement in-servicing and regular communications and public relations highlighting the teachers in our schools.

Land Acknowledgement

District 13 OSSTF is committed to providing space to honour Indigenous folks who were here on this beautiful land long before settler arrival.  We acknowledge that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern with the territories upon which our members work and our union operates.  We recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples throughout Turtle Island.

 

This region forms part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nations, the Mississauga Peoples, and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nations.  We would also like to acknowledge that prior to these treaties, the land was stewarded by various communities including the Haudenosaunee and Wendat confederacies. impact of colonialism and our responsibilities to redress the ways this has helped shape the education system and our organization.  We also recognize the sovereignty of all Indigenous Nations as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and we are committed to honouring the Truth and Reconciliation recommendations.

 

Our land acknowledgement does not function as closure, resignation, or acceptance of the structural conditions of settler colonialism that remain in effect today.  We recognize the

 

To honour the Indigenous Peoples of this territory, we will take up our responsibility to be respectful of their traditions, knowledge and to care for this land and its waters for future generations.  We would like to thank all Indigenous Peoples for sharing this land so we may come together in a good way.

 

 

OTIP New Member Account Portal

OTIP has updated their member-only platform in August 2025, which requires all members to register to the new "My Member Account" Portal.

All OTIP members will need to register before they can access this member-only area. For more information on the new digital experience and how to register to My Member Account, follow the link below:

OTIP My Member Account


Honoring Black Brilliance Across Generations:  OSSTF and Black History Month

OSSTF/FEESO is proud to celebrate the rich histories, achievements, and leadership of Black individuals and communities, whose contributions continue to shape workplaces, schools, and communities across Canada and beyond. The 2026 national theme, “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations, From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries”, marks the 30th anniversary of Canada’s official parliamentary recognition of February as Black History Month. This theme celebrates the enduring contributions of Black Canadians, from historic pioneers who helped build this country to the young leaders, creators, and innovators shaping our collective future.

 

Black workers and activists have always played a foundational role in building and advancing the trade union movement in Canada and beyond. Despite being barred from joining many trade unions in both the United States and Canada, Black workers organized, led, and fought for justice, often at the intersection of labour struggles and the fight for civil and human rights. From organizing for fair wages and safe working conditions to challenging discrimination and exclusion, Black trade unionists have helped shape unions as vehicles for justice and collective power. This legacy includes the Black workers who established the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, whose work continues to strengthen and advance the labour movement today.

For more information on how OSSTF is honouring Black History Month, please click here.
For OSSTF's collection of Black History Month educator resources, please click here.
To contribute the the Canadian Labour Congress's advocacy for the National Strategy on Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice, click here.


Indigenous Excellence Competition 2026

All self-identified Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) students (both elementary and secondary) are invited to participate in our “Celebrating and Honouring Indigenous Excellence” competition by contributing a creative submission that honours Indigeneity.  The competition will launch the end of March so that submissions are in by Indigenous History Month in June. All entries are to be submitted by May 10th at 3:00pm. All participants will be acknowledged, and a committee will select additional recipients to be honoured for their outstanding entries. A total of up to $1000.00 has been set aside to gift these outstanding entries.  Further details can be found here.

To submit work, use the QR code on the poster or click to access the Google Form.

If there are any barriers to participate including the cost of supplies, please use your DDSB email to contact the DDSB Indigenous Education Department who can offer some financial support.

If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please reach out to Garrett in the office: (905) 668-7100 or garrett.metcalfe@d13.osstf.ca.

OSSTF Retirement Workshop (OTPP) - April 20, 2026

The OSSTF Provincial Office will be offering a Retirement and Pension workshop on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 4:30-6:30 PM at the D13 TBU office. Space is limited and registration is required. See the poster for details and register using the QR code on the poster, or this link.


District and TBU Annual General Meeting - May 7, 2026

 

The 2026 District and TBU Annual General Meeting will be held on May 7th at the Ajax Convention Centre (550 Beck Crescent, Ajax) beginning at 4:00 PM. The business conducted during this meeting will include the receiving of committee reports, voting on constitutional changes, and elections, but the highlight of the evening is the delicious meal provided. Halal, vegetarian and vegan options are available. This is a delightful opportunity to get active in your union, enjoy time with your colleagues, and reconnect with friends around the district!  Tickets are available from your branch president at a cost of $10.00. District 13 welcomes new permanent teachers and congratulates new retirees by providing their tickets at no cost.  Tickets will be available through your branch president starting April 1, 2026.

Members with food restrictions or accommodation requests are asked to share them at this link:  https://forms.gle/LPeP8Ss3CYxeCcZx7

The meeting will begin with a District portion open to all members of District 13 including TBU, OTBU and PSSP members. After the conclusion of District business we will move on to TBU business.

Proposed on-time amendments to the District constitution will be posted on our website here.

The deadlines to submit on-time resolutions were published in the February Issue of InPrint.

IF YOU INTEND TO RUN FOR AN ELECTED POSITION, THE DEADLINE FOR CAMPAIGN ADS IN INPRINT 13 IS MARCH 11, 2026.

Positions for elected positions are as follows:

District:

• President
• Vice-president (4)
• Secretary
• Treasurer

TBU:

• President
• Vice-president (4)
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Additional TBU Provincial Councillor
• AMPA Representatives

The nomination form can be downloaded here.  Nominations are due April 9, 2026 at 4:00 pm.


Social Justice in Education Award

Your Human Rights Committee is excited to invite all members to nominate an OSSTF TBU or PSSP colleague who demonstrates outstanding commitment to social justice and anti-oppression work in our schools. This new recognition initiative celebrates the dedicated staff who go above and beyond to support marginalized students and colleagues through advocacy, inclusive practices, and meaningful school-based initiatives. All nominees will receive a certificate of congratulations, and four selected recipients will be awarded a $100 cash prize and recognized in our newsletter, Inprint, and at the AGM. To submit a nomination, please complete the form using the QR code or link by the stated deadline https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScahjRsFHM-C7sGbpKd5ekjlSIPJ1rBYKCqdA5QuHuIiuH9qA/viewform. For questions, contact Garrett Metcalfe at 905-668-7100 or garrett.metcalfe@d13.osstf.ca

OTIP Retirement Workshops

Ontario Teacher Insurance Plan and Educators Financial Group are hosting retirement workshops at various locations across the GTA. Specific dates and registration details can be found on their website, at the following link: https://www.otip.com/events. 

2025/2026 District 13 OSSTF Executive

 

Active Retired Members

Retired members can continue their OSSTF involvement though membership with Active Retired Members. Please click on the image to visit the website.

District 13 OSSTF Women's Advocate Program