Victoria Réaume assumes executive leadership of ETFO

TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - Sam Hammond, president of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO), is proud to announce the appointment of Victoria Réaume as the new General Secretary of ETFO effective September 1.

As the chief executive officer of Canada's largest teacher union, Réaume is responsible for strategic planning, policy, staffing, and administrative functions that support and further the work of the ETFO Executive, locals, and members. A union labour lawyer for 23 years, Réaume represented ETFO and ETFO members in many aspects of the Federation's collective bargaining and professional relations services. Réaume graduated from Laval University and Western Law School. She is the co-author/editor of Education, Labour and Employment Law in Ontario and was recognized in the publication "Best Lawyers in Canada". She is a fellow of the Ontario Teachers' Federation in recognition of her service to education, commitment to social justice, and enhancement of the image of women in the field of education.

"Victoria's extensive knowledge of, and experience with, education and education unions will provide us with the excellent leadership we rely on to serve our members," said Hammond. "In the current climate, Victoria's expertise will prove extremely valuable in defending members' democratic rights to collectively bargain fair wages and working conditions."

Sharon O'Halloran, an executive staff member of ETFO since its inception in 1998, has been appointed Deputy General Secretary also effective September 1, 2013.  With degrees from McMaster University and University of Toronto, she became an elementary teacher with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, serving as president of the Hamilton Women Teachers' Association from 1992 to 1995. She then joined the Federation staff providing counselling to members on matters relating to their professional duties. O'Halloran bargained for several locals including a newly-established Designated Early Childhood Educators local. She assisted at the central bargaining table in the areas of maternity leave, and fair and equitable hiring practices for occasional teachers.

"Both Sharon and Victoria share a deep commitment to human rights, equity, and social justice which is an important mandate of ETFO. These values underscore our professional development and advocacy work at home and abroad," added Hammond.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 76,000 elementary public school teachers and education professionals across the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.

SOURCE: Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario

Valerie Dugale, ETFO Media Relations, Cell: 416-948-0195