Region 5 Weekend Educational, May 30-31

• Location:
  • The Chelsea Hotel – 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z4
• Dates:
  • Saturday, 30 May 2026  – 9:00AM to 5:00PM
  • Sunday, 31 May 2026  – 9:00AM to 1:00PM (approx.)
• Deadline:
  • Completed application forms must be emailed to [email protected] by April 17 at 4 pm.
• Childcare: 
  • Childcare will be available on Saturday, 30 May 2026 from 8:30am to 5:00pm and Sunday, 31 May 2026 from 9:00am to the end of classes.
  • Parents/Guardians must be on site at all times when utilizing Childcare services provided by OPSEU/SEFPO.

Courses

We are pleased to offer the following six courses:

Stewards 1: Making a Difference in the Workplace

Prerequisites: None

This updated version of Stewards 1 includes a more detailed description and history of OPSEU/SEFPO’s equity-seeking groups. The course continues to support Stewards through a range of tools and practical activities. The key aims are to strengthen Steward skills to orient a new employee to the Union, have effective one-on-one conversations with a cross-section of members, develop a communications strategy to enlist diverse member involvement, and develop approaches to everyday workplace problems.

Throughout the course, participants are supported as they develop a profile of their members, clarify the tasks of the Steward, find the resources and information in OPSEU/SEFPO, and understand the grievance process and their role in it. Stewards 1 is a prerequisite to Stewards 2 and must be completed before taking Stewards 2.

Participants should bring their Collective Agreements to the course.

Stewards 2: Facing the Employer, Building Member Involvement

Prerequisites: Stewards 1

This revised follow-up to Stewards 1 focuses on investigating and writing a grievance, facing management, and involving members in worksite action. Participants will use their own Collective Agreements to identify grievances. They will become immersed in an evolving case study in order to interview a grievor, write up a grievance, face the employer at a Step 1 meeting and make a presentation on safety issues to the Union side of the Joint Health and Safety Committee. They will examine the elements of effective mobilization and develop a campaign strategy for a Local.

Participants should bring their own Collective Agreements to the course.

Stewards 3: Dealing With Discipline

Prerequisites: Stewards 1 and 2

This is an advanced level Steward course. It is suggested that participants take Stewards 1 and Stewards 2 prior to signing up for this program. Dealing with Discipline is a skills and knowledge focused workshop that will assist Union activists in their duties representing members that are facing discipline up to and including dismissal.

The course bridges concepts from Stewards 1 and 2, Basic and Advanced Grievance Handling and Workplace Investigations.

Participants should bring their own Collective Agreements to the course.

Local Treasurer’s Course

Prerequisites: None

This course is aimed at Local Treasurers and Trustees who are either NEW to the role or experienced members who are seeking a “refresher course”. The goal is to give the necessary tools and education to Local Treasurers and Trustees in order for them to fulfill their roles in the Local. It will also draw on members’ experiences to solve problems occurring with the administration of Local funds.

Health and Safety: Level 3

Prerequisites: Health and Safety Levels 1 & 2

This course builds on concepts covered in OPSEU/SEFPO Health and Safety Level 1 and 2.

Health and Safety Level 3 is designed to help Union activists, Joint Health and Safety Committee members, Health and Safety Representatives, and regular workers to address complex hazards using their Local Health and Safety Systems and external resources.

Drawing from their own experiences, participants will strategize effective approaches to complex hazards, such as investigating concerns about potential occupational cancers and ergonomic hazards. Participants will also learn basic approaches to investigating indoor air quality complaints.

They will discuss the Precautionary Principle (Better Safe Than Sorry) and the ALARA Principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) and understand the centrality of these two concepts in health and safety activism. Participants will develop strategies to address ergonomic hazards, develop recommendations, and practice facing the employer to propose their recommendations, enhancing their organization skills and confidence to represent members in their efforts to achieve safer and healthier workplaces.

Making Composite Locals Work

Prerequisites: None

Composite/Multi-Unit Locals can be very challenging and complex Locals to organize and run. Difficulties with communication and membership coordination are among the barriers that often prevent these locals from being inclusive and achieving their full potential. This course provides an opportunity for an in-depth working session for Local Executive Committees of composite or multi-unit Locals.

Participants will develop clear roles and responsibilities as Local leaders, prepare an appropriate budget, develop local structures, and will assess the functioning of their Local and its units. Based on the work from the course, the Local Executives will begin to develop action plans to implement in their local.

Note: This course is not designed for individuals coming from different Locals. Participants who register should be complete LEC groups that are working together to build strength in their units and ultimately the local.

Important Information

• The Participant and Course Selection Process will be carried out in accordance with OPSEU/SEFPO Education Policy.
• Confirmation will only be sent to applicants who are accepted.
• For members scheduled to work the weekend of the Educational, the Local’s Time-Off Fund (LTO) can now be used to reimburse the member’s lost wages, provided the Local’s TARs are up-to-date.
• As a reminder, in accordance with OPSEU/SEFPO policy, full attendance is mandatory for participants at the Educational. If you are unable to attend with full attendance without an acceptable reason, you will not receive credit for the course and your expenses (if any) may not be reimbursed.
• All application forms must be approved/signed by a Local Executive Committee member from the applicant’s Local, as per OPSEU/SEFPO Policy 6.2.2. Applications without the required signatures will not be processed.

If You Are Attending in Person:

• Single accommodation is approved for this Educational.
• OPSEU/SEFPO’s 60km rule will be enforced – this means that if you live further than 60km from the hotel you are entitled to single accommodations.  For this event, members living outside 60 kms of the hotel will be entitled to room accommodation for both Friday and Saturday nights of the weekend Educational as per OPSEU/SEFPO policy. Members living within 60 kms of the hotel will be entitled to room accommodation for Saturday night only, as required. Members will be reimbursed for the cost of a single room.
• You are responsible for booking your own accommodations directly with the Chelsea Hotel, if required. An online direct booking link for rooms in the Event Group Block will be issued to successful applicants at the following rates: Single $279.00 (taxes not included). Individuals may also call the hotel directly, toll free 1-800-CHELSEA (1-800-243-5732) or 416-595-1975. These individuals must also identify themselves as part of OPSEU/SEFPO May 2026 Educational to take advantage of the discounted group rate.
• Valet parking will not be covered.
• As a reminder, in accordance with OPSEU/SEFPO policy, full attendance is mandatory for participants at the Educational. If you are unable to attend with full attendance without an acceptable reason, you will not receive credit for the course and your expenses (if any) may not be reimbursed.
• Persons attending OPSEU/SEFPO meetings are requested to refrain from using perfume, cologne or any other fragrances for the comfort of other participants.
• Participants are also to refrain from bringing nut products, bottled water and Coca Cola products to OPSEU/SEFPO Events.
  • All applications must be approved/signed by a Local Executive Committee member from the applicants Local, as per OPSEU/SEFPO Policy 6.2.2. Applications without the required signatures will not be processed.

Accommodation

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Chelsea Hotel, 33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON M5G1Z4

Members are responsible for making their own accommodation and payment arrangements. Accommodation must be booked no later than 02 May 2026.

All unreserved rooms will be released for re-sale after the 02 May 2026 deadline. OPSEU/SEFPO Policy states that members are responsible for their own room booking and payment. It is also stated that members are fully responsible should the need arise to cancel their room. Failing to cancel your room could result in the member being responsible for all room charges.

An online direct booking link, and telephone instructions for reserving a hotel room will be issued to successful Educational applicants prior to the hotel-booking deadline of 01 May 2026.

OPSEU/SEFPO’s 60km rule will be waived for all members on the evening of Saturday, 30 May 2026. This means that all members attending the Educational will have their hotel room on Saturday 30 May 2026 covered. For all members living outside 60km– both Friday and Saturday evenings – 29 & 30 May 2026 – will be covered.

Cancellations

• Notification by a member to cancel course attendance should be received by both the Local President and the Regional Office ([email protected]) no later than 48 hours prior to the start of the Weekend Educational (e.g. no later than 9:00 A.M. on Thursday 28 May 2026). When a member does not attend and the Regional Office has not been notified forty-eight (48) hours in advance, the member will be assessed a fifty-dollar ($50.00) penalty fee. Extenuating circumstances will be taken into consideration.
• All hotel reservations must also be cancelled 48 hours prior to the scheduled day of arrival. Late cancellations will result in a charge of a 1-night stay plus taxes. A valid credit card is required at time of booking.

Child / Elder / Dependant Care

• Use of OPSEU/SEFPO’s on-site childcare is encouraged – please complete the childcare registration form to participate.
• Members who arrange their own childcare will be reimbursed at $15.00 an hour to a maximum of $220.00 per 24-hour period, as per OPSEU/SEFPO Policy 4.2.2.
• Childcare claims will be honoured for children up to and including age 16, for whom the member is the parent/guardian.
• Friends, family, or professional or Commercial Services, or any other satisfactory arrangement, may provide care to the member making the claim. Claims must be verified and must be signed by the service provider.
• Members seeking childcare through OPSEU/SEFPO for this Educational must include the completed Childcare Registration paperwork with their Application.
• If childcare is requested, the child/dependant must be in attendance with the program.
• Off-site Family/Attendant care will be reimbursed at the rate of $15.00 per hour to a maximum of $220.00 per 24-hour period and must be signed by the care provider(s). Please complete this Family/Attendant Care form and specify hours claimed for each day. This policy covers the expenses for persons over the age of 16, permanently residing with, and under the care of a member, who are differently abled and/or aged.

Transportation

• If you are participating in person, you will be reimbursed for the actual cost incurred for travel by public transportation. As per the policy of the Union, the most economical means of transportation should be used.
• Where a member is required to use their private vehicle, they may claim for such travel at the current rate, as well as the total distance travelled. Destination points are to be indicated on the expense form.
• Members must arrange their own travel and are encouraged to.
• Transportation/ Kilometric Rate will be as follows:
  • One (1) OPSEU/SEFPO member travelling alone $0.55/km.
  • Two (2) OPSEU/SEFPO members, $0.60/km.
  • Three (3) OPSEU/SEFPO members $0.65/km
  • Any transportation/kilometric expense claim form involving OPSEU/SEFPO members as passengers must have the members’ name and address on the expense form.
• All expenses must be submitted on proper Expense Claim Forms or via the Member Portal.

Lost Wages

• Local Time Off Funds can now be used for members who work on the weekends to attend Educationals. Local TARS must be Up to Date in order to use the Local Time-Off Fund.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Members who stay at the hotel or had to be present for an OPSEU/SEFPO event before 0800 hours (8:00 a.m.) are eligible to claim twenty- three dollars ($23.00).
• Lunch: Members attending this educational may claim thirty-one dollars ($31.00) lunch on both Saturday and Sunday.
• Dinner: Members who stay at the hotel or had to be present for an OPSEU/SEFPO event past 1700 hours (5:00 m.) are eligible to claim forty dollars ($40.00).

Advances

1. Indicate the amount required on the Advance Form and return to [email protected] no later than 17 April 2026.

Application and other forms

• To apply for this event, please fill out the form below, or download and complete the appropriate fillable forms. Please email the completed forms by Friday, 17 April 2026 at 4:00 pm to the Region 5 Educational email at [email protected].
  • In-person-only application form
  • In-person Human Rights Accommodation Form
  • On-site child care registration form
  • Family/Attendant Care Claim Form
  • In-person Advance Form
• Applications must be received by: 4:00PM on 17 April 2026
• All applications must be sent to [email protected]
• Late applications and applications sent elsewhere will not be acknowledged

Online application form

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Name *

First

Last

Personal (non-work) email *

Please do not use your work email

Personal (non-work) cell *

Please do not use your work cell

Union number *

Home address *

Postal code *

Dietary check

• I have dietary restrictions

My dietary restrictions include *

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Lactose intolerant
• Gluten free
• Kosher
• Halal
• Other

You chose 'other' dietary restriction – please describe: *

Course selection

Are you applying to attend online or in-person? *

• Online
• In-person

Your first-choice in-person course *Stewards 1: Making a Difference in the WorkplaceStewards 2: Facing the Employer, Building Member InvolvementStewards 3: Dealing with DisciplineHealth and Safety: 3Local Treasurer’s CourseMaking Composite Locals Work

Your second-choice in-person course *Stewards 1: Making a Difference in the WorkplaceStewards 2: Facing the Employer, Building Member InvolvementStewards 3: Dealing with DisciplineHealth and Safety 3Local Treasurer’s CourseMaking Composite Locals Work

Your third-choice in-person course *Stewards 1: Making a Difference in the WorkplaceStewards 2: Facing the Employer, Building Member InvolvementStewards 3: Dealing with DisciplineHealth and Safety 3Local Treasurer’s CourseMaking Composite Locals Work

I have taken the prerequisite Stewards 1

• Confirm

I have taken the prerequisite Stewards 2

• Confirm

I have taken the prerequisite Health and Safety 1 and 2

• Confirm

Your first-choice online course *Stewards 1: Making a Difference in the WorkplaceStewards 2: Facing the Employer, Building Member InvolvementStewards 3: Dealing with DisciplineChallenging Bullying and Non-Code-Based Harassment in the WorkplaceDuty to Accommodate: A Tool for Inclusive WorkspacesLocal Treasurers CoursePublic Speaking: Finding your voice, connecting with your audienceTaking Action on Workplace Stress

Position(s) previously held in your local *

Length of service in your local *

Positions/activities previously held/accomplished in your Local (ie. Steward, committee officer, campaigns), and length of service: *

Type of local: *

• Single
• Composite
• Multi-unit

Your work location *

Your position at work *

Type of work *

Previous OPSEU/SEFPO Educationals attended

OPSEU/SEFPO is committed to achieving equitable participation of designated group members in its education programs. Indication of your designated group status on this application will assist us in assessing our progress in reaching this goal:

• Francophone worker
• Indigenous worker
• 2SLGBTQIA+ worker
• Racialized worker
• Woman worker
• Worker with a disability
• Young worker (35 or younger)

Your sponsoring local executive officer: *

Email of your sponsoring local executive officer *

Accommodation check

• I need a human rights accommodation to participate

Do you have an existing human rights accommodation approved by the Equity Unit (i.e. you have submitted a request form before)? *

• Yes; and I need the same human rights accommodation as previously approved
• Yes; but I require changes to my previously approved human rights accommodation
• No; I have never been approved for a human rights accommodation

Important notes on accommodation requests

• Only complete this form if you are requesting an accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.
  • Sufficient information must be provided to prove the need for the accommodation and to show a link to a code-related ground.

  Only complete this form if you are requesting a new or updated human rights accommodation.

  • If you need the same accommodation you received at another OPSEU/SEFPO event, simply ensure the event/meeting organizer is aware of your existing accommodation.

  As part of the review process and where applicable, an OPSEU/SEFPO Human Rights Officer may require additional documentation to support your request. This could include medical documentation.

  • All information is kept confidential except where necessary to arrange the accommodation or to process expense claims

Do you need a human rights accommodation for a particular event only, or for all future union events? *

• For a particular event
• For all events

Event for which you need a human rights accommodation *

Date de l’activité pour laquelle vous avez besoin d’un accommodement *

Date of event for which you need an accommodation *

Name *

First

Last

Nom *

First

Last

Personal (non-work) email address *

Email

Confirm Email

Adresse électronique personnelle : (pas au travail) *

Email

Confirm Email

Personal (non-work) cell: *

Tél. cellulaire personnel (pas au travail) *

Local number

Numéro de section locale

Union number

Numéro d'adhérente ou adhérent

Please check all the Code-related grounds related to your request: *

• Disability, including food allergy
• Sex / gender, including pregnancy
• Family status
• Creed or religion
• Other

Veuillez cocher tous les motifs rattachés au Code en rapport avec votre demande : *

• Invalidité, y compris allergies alimentaires
• Sexe/genre, y compris la grossesse
• Situation de famille
• Croyance ou religion
• Autre

You chose "other" above. Please specify briefly. *

Vous avez choisi « Autre » ci-dessus, veuillez expliquer brièvement. *

Why do you require a human rights accommodation (i.e. what are your restrictions or limitations)? Please be as detailed as possible. *

Pourquoi avez-vous besoin d'un accommodement au titre des droits de la personne (c.-à-d., quelles sont vos restrictions ou limitations)? Soyez le plus précis possible *

What type of human rights accommodation or additional arrangement do you require to allow you to participate fully in union-related activities? (e.g. assistance during emergency evacuation, material in alternate formats, interpreters, arrangement / expenses beyond those provided at the event or through OPSEU/SEFPO policy). Please be as detailed as possible. *

De quel type d'accommodement ou de mesure d'adaptation supplémentaire avez-vous besoin pour pouvoir participer pleinement aux activités syndicales? (p. ex., aide en cas d’évacuation d'urgence, média substitut, interprète, dispositions/dépenses non prévues pour l'activité ou en vertu des politiques de l’OPSEU/SEFPO). Donnez autant de détails que possible. *

Upload files in support of your accommodation request

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 5 files.

Téléchargez les documents à l'appui de votre demande d'accommodement

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 5 files.

Other information you'd like to pass on and/or description of any files you uploaded (optional)

Autre information que vous souhaitez communiquer ou description des documents téléchargés (facultatif)

How do you prefer to be contacted? *

• By email
• By phone

Mode de communication préféré *

• Courriel
• Téléphone

Your signature *

Votre signature *

Signature attestation

• Consider my typed name as my signature

Attestation de signature

• Considérez le nom saisi comme ma signature

On-site child care check

• I need on-site child care to participate

Services de garde d'enfants

• Pour participer, j’ai besoin des services de garde d’enfants

Child 1 name *

Nom du premier enfant *

Child 1 needs

• This child has special requirements

Besoins du premier enfant *

Child 2 name

Nom du deuxième enfant *

Child 2 needs

• This child has special requirements

Besoins du deuxième enfant *

Child 3 name

Nom du troisième enfant *

Child 3 needs

• This child has special requirements

Besoins du troisième enfant *

Child 4 name

Nom du quatrième enfant *

Child 4 needs

• This child has special requirements

Besoins du quatrième enfant *

Submit