Menu

Durham Catholic Designated Early Childhood Educator Local

Affiliated with Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario

Constitution

 
 
 
CONSTITUTION FOR THE 

DURHAM CATHOLIC DESIGNATED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR LOCAL OF THE 

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS' FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 

Revised May 5, 2021

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

DEFINITIONS: 

ARTICLE - NAME 

ARTICLE II - AFFILIATION 

ARTICLE III - OBJECTS 

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP 

SECTION 1 ‐ ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP 

SECTION 2 ‐ ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP 

ARTICLE V RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1 ‐ RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP SECTION 2 ‐ RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP SECTION 3 – CODES OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF PRACTISE ARTICLE VI LOCAL ORGANIZATION 

SECTION 1 ‐ LOCAL EXECUTIVE 

SECTION 2 ‐ COMMITTEES 

SECTION 3 ‐ FILLING VACANT POSITIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE ARTICLE VII ORGANIZATIONAL DUTIES 

SECTION 1 ‐ DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE 

SECTION 2 ‐ DUTIES OF OFFICERS 

SECTION 3 ‐ DUTIES OF COMMITTEES

ARTICLE VIII - MEETINGS 

SECTION 1 ‐ MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS 

SECTION 2 ‐ LOCAL ANNUAL MEETING 

ARTICLE IX - ELECTIONS 

SECTION 1 ‐ ELIGIBILITY 

SECTION 2 ‐ NOMINATIONS 

SECTION 3 ‐ ELECTION PROCEDURES 

ARTICLE X DELEGATES TO THE FEDERATION ANNUAL MEETING ARTICLE XI RESOLUTIONS TO THE FEDERATION ANNUAL MEETING ARTICLE XII AMENDMENTS TO THE LOCAL CONSTITUTION ARTICLE XIIIFINANCES 

ARTICLE XIV-CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

DEFINITIONS: 

In this Constitution: 

1. Federation means the provincial Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario 2. Local means the Durham Catholic Designated Early Childhood Educator Local ARTICLE 1 – NAME 

1.1 This organization shall be known as the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario Durham Catholic Designated Early Childhood Educator Local. 

ARTICLE II – AFFILIATION 

2.1 The Durham Catholic Designated Early Childhood Educator Local is a member Local of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario. 

ARTICLE III – OBJECTS 

The objects of the Local shall be: 

3.1 To represent members of Durham Catholic Designated Early Childhood Educator Local. 

3.2 To regulate between the members of the Durham Catholic Designated Early Childhood Educator Local including but not limited to securing and maintaining through bargaining, the best possible terms and conditions of employment. 

3.3 To advance the cause of education and the status of members of the Local. 

3.4 To promote a high standard of professional ethics and a high standard of professional competence. 

3.5 To foster a climate of social justice and provide a leadership role in such areas as anti-poverty, nonviolence and equity. 

3.6 To promote and protect the interests of all members of the Local and the students in their care. 

3.7 To cooperate with other organizations having the same or like objects.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP 

Section 1 Active Membership 

4.1 Members shall be all Designated Early Childhood Educators employed by Durham Catholic District School Board. 

Section 2 Associate Membership 

4.2.1 Associate members of the Local are those members whose application has been approved by the Local and approved by the Federation and who have paid the annual fee in accordance with the Federation Bylaws. 

4.2.2 Eligibility for associate membership in the Local is as defined in article 4.2.3. of the Federation Constitution. 

ARTICLE V RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF MEMBERSHIP 

Section 1 Rights and Privileges of Active Membership 

5.1.1 An active member shall have full rights, privileges and responsibilities of membership in the Federation unless limited by disciplinary action taken in accordance with Article VII of the Federation Constitution. 

5.1.2 The rights of an active member shall be: 

a. to hold office in the Local and in the Federation; 

b. to attend, participate, and vote at meetings of the Local; 

c. to vote on the ratification of the collective agreement; 

d. to participate in any membership votes; 

e. to request Local support through the grievance process; 

f. to request Local support in any problem directly related to professional duties.

Section 2 Rights and Privileges of Associate Membership 

5.2.1 An associate member of the Local may: 

a. attend Local functions, by invitation, in a nonvoting capacity; 

b. receives such local communications as the Local decides; 

c. serve on Local committees and workgroups as the Local decides. 

Section 3 Code of Ethics and Standards of Practise 

5.3.1 All Designated Early Childhood Educators members are subject to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practise put forth by the College of Early Childhood Educators. 

ARTICLE VI LOCAL ORGANIZATION 

Section 1 Local Executive 

6.1.1 The Local Executive shall include the following positions: 

a. President; 

b. Immediate Past President, where the most recent President chooses to continue to serve in an Executive capacity; 

c. Vice President; 

d. Secretary; 

e. Treasurer; 

f. Executive Member; 

g. When no Past President is available, no Executive Member may be elected. 

h. if no one from the membership or the floor is elected to fill the Member at Large vacancy’s the executive will run with the 4 members until next year.(President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer)

6.1.2 The Executive of the Local shall be elected at the Local Annual Meeting. 

6.1.3 All active members of the Local shall be eligible to vote for the persons seeking election to the positions listed in article 6.1.1 

6.1.4 The term of office for the Local Executive shall be two years. 

6.1.5 The Local Executive shall take office on July 1. 

Section 2 Committees 

6.2.1 There shall be the following standing committees: 

(i) Collective Bargaining; 

(ii) Elections; 

(iii) Budget; 

(iv) Health and Safety. 

6.3.2 All active members of the Local shall be eligible to vote for the persons seeking election to the positions listed in the article 

Section 3 Filling Vacant Positions of the Executive 

6.3.1 The Executive shall appoint a successor to an unexpired term or vacant position that occurs between July 1 and December 31. 

6.3.2 The Executive may appoint a successor to an unexpired term or vacant position that occurs between January 1 and June 30. 

6.3.3 Candidates for appointment to fill a vacancy at the position of President, Vice President or Secretary/Treasurer shall be members of the Executive. 

6.3.4 Candidates for appointment to fill a vacancy at the position of Executive Member shall be active members in good standing of the Local.

Section 4- Executive Leaves 

6.4.1 An Executive Member on a leave may return to their elected position during the current term. 

ARTICLE VII ORGANIZATIONAL DUTIES 

Section 1 Duties of the Executive shall be: 

7.1.1 To uphold the Constitution, Bylaws and policies of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario and shall be responsible for administering the affairs of the Local between annual meetings in accordance with the provisions of the Local Constitution and Bylaws. 

7.1.2 To hold at least two regular meetings a year and more will be added if needed, by the President. 

7.1.3 Hold an Executive meeting at the call of the President. 

7.1.4 Receive a financial report at each Executive meeting. 

7.1.5 Forward to the provincial office by September 30 of each year the annual audited financial statement. 

7.1.6 Forward to the provincial office by June 1 of each year the annual report of the Local. 7.1.7 Appoint and develop terms of reference for ad hoc committees. 

7.1.8 Appoint at least 2 signing officers of the Local. 

7.1.9 Appoint when necessary, in accordance with Article VI, a successor to complete any unexpired term of an elected or appointed local representative. 

7.1.10 To recommend the appointment of the auditors to the Local Annual Meeting. 7.1.11 To develop investment policy. 

7.1.12 To sign a confidentiality agreement each term when serving on the executive.

Section 2 Duties of Officers 

7.2.1 The duties of the President shall be: 

a. to be the spokesperson for the Local; 

b. to be the official representative of the Local and its members; 

c. to be one (1) of the signing officers; 

d. to be an exofficio member of all committees; 

e. to preside at meetings of the Executive and General Membership 

f. to inform and advise members on issues concerning the Local; 

g. to administer the affairs of the Local between meetings of the Local Executive in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws. 

h. the executive shall receive an annual responsibility allowance for their extra assigned responsibilities. If the member is on leave or did not carry out their assigned duties, the responsibility allowance will be prorated. 

President…………………………………. 7% of his/her annual salary per year

Vice President…………………………… $500.00 per year 

Treasurer…………………………………. $350.00 per year 

Secretary………………………………… $250.00 per year 

Executive Member(s)……………………. $150.00 per year 

7.2.2 The duties of the Vice-President shall be: 

a. in the President’s absence, to assume the responsibilities of the President; b. to be responsible for additional duties as assigned by the President and/or Local Executive. c. to chair the Professional Learning Committee

7.2.3 The duties of the Treasurer shall be: 

a. to keep accurate and detailed financial records of the Local based on the Local fiscal year July 1 to June 30; 

b. to make a financial report to each Executive and Membership meeting of the Local; c. to make investments with the approval of the Executive; 

d. to report investments during each financial report; 

e. to ensure the audit is completed; 

f. to forward the annual audited financial statement of the Local to the provincial office of the Federation by September 30. 

g. to be responsible for additional duties as assigned by the President and /or Local Executive 

7.2.4 The duties of the Secretary shall be: 

a. to maintain accurate records of all meetings of the Local; 

b. to maintain accurate records of correspondence received by and sent on behalf of the Local; c. to prepare and circulate minutes of Executive and Membership meetings; d. to forward the annual report of the Local to the provincial office of the Federation by June 1. 

7.2.5 The duties of the Executive Member(s) shall be: 

a. to chair the Social Committee 

b. to be responsible for additional duties assigned by the President and/or Local Executive 

Section 3 Duties of Committees 

7.3.1 Committees are responsible to the Local Executive. 

a. to be responsible for additional clerical duties as assigned by the Local Executive

7.3.2 The Elections Committee

a. shall consist of the 1 member not on the executive; a member may not be running for election; b. shall be appointed by the Executive; 

c. shall be responsible to receive nominations and publish a list of nominees for Local elections. 

7.3.3 Collective Bargaining Committees: 

a. committee shall consist of three members; 

b. the President and Vice President shall be members on the committee c. remaining member shall be voted in by the membership; 

d. shall be responsible to assist in the preparation and negotiation of an approved preliminary submission. 

7.3.4 The Budget Committee: 

a. shall consist of the President, Treasurer and 1 other member 

b. shall be appointed by the Executive; 

c. shall be responsible to develop and present a budget for approval by the membership at the Local Annual Meeting. 

d. the term of office for the Budget Committee shall be 1 year 

7.3.5. The Health and Safety Committee: 

a. Shall be elected each term by the membership 

a. The local representative for the JOHSC for ETFO DECE local 

b. To forward the monthly meeting report to the President after each JOHSC meeting c. To prepare and circulate minutes of each JOHSC meeting and forward to the local President 

d. To prepare reports for all membership meetings 

e. To forward all correspondence from both the JOHSC committee and the board to the President.

ARTICLE VIII – MEETINGS 

Section 1 Membership Meetings 

8.1.1 A quorum for membership meetings shall be 50% plus 1 of the membership in attendance and eligible to vote at the time the agenda for the general meeting is approved. 

8.1.2 The official authority for conducting all Local meetings is the current Roberts Rules of Order. 

8.1.3 The Local Annual General Meeting if needed shall be presided over by a Parliamentarian who is not an active member of the Local. 

Section 2 Local Annual Meeting 

8.2.1 A Local Annual Meeting of the members of the Local shall be held no later than June 1. 8.2.2 The Local Annual Meeting shall: 

a. receives the annual reports of the officers and committees of the Local; b. elect the Local Executive for the next year; 

c. approves the budget for the next year; 

d. approves the signing officers; 

e. receives the financial statements as certified by the auditors; 

f. approves changes to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Local. 

ARTICLE IX – ELECTIONS 

Section 1 Eligibility 

9.1.1 An active member in good standing may be nominated to stand for elected office.

Section 2 Nominations 

9.2.1 Members shall be notified of the request for nominations 60 days prior to the Local Annual Meeting. 

9.2.2 The deadline for receipt of nominations shall be determined by the Executive by March 1. Written notice of the deadline for receipt of nominations shall be provided to the membership at least 30 days prior to the date chosen. Nominations from the floor will only be accepted for a position for which no nominations were received. 

9.2.21 Only members who have served on the Executive for a minimum of one full term may be nominated for the position of President. 

9.2.22 Only members who have served on the Executive for a minimum of one year may be nominated for the position of Vice-President. 

9.2.3 Notwithstanding the above, nominations duly moved and seconded and with the consent of the nominee, shall be accepted at the Local Annual Meeting. 

Section 3 Election Procedures 

9.3.1 The Executive of the Local shall be elected at the Local Annual Meeting. 

9.3.2 Candidates shall have the opportunity to address the Local Annual Meeting before the election. 

9.3.3 The election shall be by secret ballot. 

9.3.4 Each candidate may appoint one scrutineer to observe the counting of the ballots for that candidate's election. 

9.3.5 The vote count for all elected positions shall be released to the member’s present following each ballot and be published in the minutes of the Local Annual Meeting. 

9.3.6 To be declared successful a candidate for President, Vice-President, or Secretary/Treasurer must obtain a majority of the ballots cast by the members present. 

9.3.7 An unsuccessful candidate may seek another position on the Executive for which the member is eligible by dropping down. 

9.3.8 The ballots will be destroyed by motion of the Local Annual Meeting immediately following the elections.

ARTICLE X DELEGATES TO THE FEDERATION ANNUAL MEETING 

10.1 An active member of the Local may be nominated as a delegate to the Federation Annual Meeting. 

10.2 Delegates to the Federation Annual Meeting shall be elected at a Local Membership meeting called by the Local Executive prior to June 1. 

10.3 Names of delegates elected to the Federation Annual Meeting shall be forwarded to the provincial 

office of the Federation prior to June 1. 

10.4 The President and Vice President shall be a delegate to the Federation Annual Meeting. 

ARTICLE XI RESOLUTIONS TO THE FEDERATION ANNUAL MEETING 

11.1 Resolutions to the Federation Annual Meeting shall be considered at a Local membership meeting to be held prior to March 1. 

11.2 Resolutions to be considered at the Local membership meeting shall be sent to the President of the Local at least 30 days prior to the meeting. 

11.3 all resolutions that will be considered at a Local membership meeting shall require a mover and a seconder who are members in good standing of the Local. 

11.4 the President of the Local shall inform the membership by no later than February 1 that resolutions to the Federation Annual Meeting will be accepted for consideration in accordance with Article 11.2. 

The President of the Local shall inform the membership by no later than February 1 that resolutions to the Federation Annual Meeting will be accepted for consideration in accordance with Article 11.2. 

ARTICLE XII AMENDMENTS TO THE LOCAL CONSTITUTION 

12.1 Proposed amendments to the Local Constitution must be submitted to the Executive 30 days’ prior to the Local Annual Meeting. 

12.2 The Executive shall publish all proposed amendments to the membership at least 14 days prior to the Local Annual Meeting.

12.3 The Constitution shall be amended if 60% of the members present at the Local Annual Meeting vote in favour of the proposed amendment. 

12.4 Constitutional amendments dealing with designated positions on the Executive may only be voted on by members of the designated group. 

ARTICLE XIII FINANCES 

13.1 The Local shall retain the financial records of the Local for a period of six years plus the current year. 

13.2 All financial transactions shall be signed by two signing officers, one of whom shall be the President. 

13.3 The fiscal year for the Local shall be the period from July 1 of one calendar year to June 30 of the succeeding calendar year. 

ARTICLE XIV-CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT 

A member shall: 

14.1 recognize the Federation as the official voice of all the Active 

Members of the Federation; 

14.2 adhere to the Constitution and Bylaws and Directives of the 

Federation; 

14.3 support collective bargaining initiative, including a strike 

authorized by the Executive; 

14.4 refrain from undertaking or supporting actions which undermine 

established bargaining procedures; 

14.5 honour the terms of the Collective Agreement; 

14.6 strive to eliminate all forms of harassment between individuals 

in the educational system; 

14.7 endeavour to ensure equity and inclusiveness in the workplace;

14.8 strive to achieve and maintain a high degree of professionalism and to uphold the honour, dignity, and ethical standards of our profession; 

14.9 a member who is representing EFTO on the Local Executive and or Provincially shall strive to achieve and maintain a high degree of professionalism and to uphold the honour, dignity, and ethical standards of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario.