Education Matters Online
News

Volume 1, Issue 1: April 7, 2003

A provincial election appears imminent and most of us are busy, stressed even, with the many demands of work and home. Who has time or energy left over to try and affect the outcome of an election? What could we do anyway? Well, you will be glad to know that there is one simple, quick thing which we can all do which requires very little time. That one thing?: Go out and vote.

Research shows that a significant percentage of teachers and other educational workers did not vote in the last provincial election, and that the balance of power lay in their hands. If they had all voted either NDP or Liberal, the Tories would have lost several seats, enough that they would have lost the election. The North Bay by-election was won by the Tories by less than two dozen votes, so every vote counts. Please remember to vote, and to take someone with you to the polls. A strong voter turnout augurs well for the opposition in virtually all elections.

One strategy which many branches are employing to assure a strong teacher and educational worker vote is to hold an Advance Poll Party. All this entails is a staff deciding to vote at an Advance Poll, and then to go together where possible to the different ridings where they live, and to vote in advance. Each branch may wish to celebrate their combined efforts to Turf the Tories with an Advance Poll Party. These Advance Poll Parties can take whatever form the branch members decide upon, such as having pizza and refreshments together as a staff before leaving to vote. To help with your efforts, the district office will forward one hundred dollars to each branch to hold an advance poll party. On election day, since members have voted, some of you may wish to assist your local riding association by offering to drive seniors to the polling station, or to help out in other ways.

The Tories have left behind a weakened Ontario, and we deserve better. Think about the Ontario which has become their legacy. Bottled water everywhere because we are afraid to drink from the tap. Lengthy, sometimes fatal, waiting lists for hospital care. Electricity costs which are out of sight, and which we will surely pay for either directly or through hidden taxes. Double cohort students with high averages about to be turned away by the thousands from institutions of higher learning. Private highways, built with public money, such as the 407, which most of us cannot afford to drive on. Schools with large classes, too few supplies, and in need of serious repair. Private schools subsidized at the expense of a strong public system. The list goes on and on, but we can do something about it–we can vote.

We urge you to vote, and to take someone with you to the polls. Your vote counts.

We hope you enjoy your Advance Poll Party.

Let us not take thought for our separate interests, but let us help one another.
(OSSTF Motto)

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