Chris Clarke, TBU President, AGM Speech 2025

Good evening colleagues,

It is a genuine honor to speak with you today as a candidate for President. After more than a decade representing our unit—four of those years as your Vice-President—I come to you with a deep sense of responsibility, gratitude, and purpose.

Together, we’ve accomplished a great deal: salary increases, strengthened contract language, and better protections. Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to Federation work, and my passion has only grown with time. In my role as Health and Safety Officer, I’ve often said, “hope is not a plan.” That belief continues to guide me—it’s more than a mantra. It’s my commitment to you, and my guiding principle as I seek to serve as your next President.

District 14, I have a plan. I know our sites, our people, and our challenges. I bring proven results and a reputation built on persistence, collaboration, and integrity. I’m ready to lead us through the next chapter of our work with KPR.

This campaign has reminded me just how much the union matters. I’ve experienced it firsthand. The union fought to save my job when I was laid off nine times. It was there when I needed leave. It supported me when I stood up for my colleagues at CCSS. That protection meant everything, and it drives my commitment to pay it forward. The past four years have only deepened my resolve to keep going.

D14, I see you. I see your commitment, your professionalism, and the effort you bring to your classrooms and schools every day—even as resources are stretched thin. You hold this board together. Representing you is one of the greatest honours of my professional life.

Since the beginning of this campaign, I have had the privilege of connecting with over 500 TBU members. These conversations reflect the connections I’ve had with the membership over the years. Your feedback has allowed us to start changes to PA Days, the new progress report, better staffing, and improved health and safety. I am the candidate who brings experience in bargaining and grievances who has shown I can actualize member feedback into intentional action plans. I’ve advocated directly with board leadership and the Trustees.  I’ve worked closely with our executive, supported branch reps, and mentored emerging union leaders. My track record reflects how my personal connection with people drives my work in this union towards improvements.  

The most important lesson this work has taught me is humility. Representing members demands ongoing learning, self-reflection, and a willingness to adapt. This job isn’t about slogans—it’s about relationships, listening, and follow-through. Solutions aren’t quick or easy. They take time, effort, and persistence. They can be achieved through collective work, resolve and determination.  As President, I will remain grounded in your experiences and stories as my guide.

To get better working conditions for you, I’ve attended countless board meetings and contacted the Ministry of Labour when needed. I know the systems of the board and how to leverage them toward better outcomes for our members. I know what the role of President requires—and I’m ready to do that work for all of us.

If elected, here are four key priorities for the next two years:

**1. Class Sizes:** This is the top priority in provincial bargaining, and we must begin local work now. Enforcement will not depend on budget status— especially in destreamed courses.

**2. Regional Representation** I will ensure every region and school—rural or smaller site—is reflected in our strategies. No school will be left behind. I’ll modernize our internal communication structure to make sure your stories reach us much faster.

**3. I will secure essential teaching resources, such as working laptops. I’ve already initiated this work with KPR leadership and will stay connected on it throughout the summer if necessary. We know there are some laptops coming in September, it’s my job to make sure they land in OSSTF hands.

**4. Our work has become more stressful. I will directly advocate for a board-wide stress management program and enforce our right to disconnect. I will maintain the strong health and safety protections I’ve always fought for. I will use this approach to ensure that we are responding strongly to the attendance management program.

These goals are not just hopeful, they are actionable. I have a plan and will start immediately.

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Looking ahead, we face challenges. Austerity measures loom in 2025. The board is cutting at all levels, including senior management. This means we will have fewer teachers next year in KPR. We must show up for the public education system that is being chronically underfunded by the Ford government. We must engage with KPR and our communities to help us advocate with those in power for quality public education. The President of D14 TBU represents this work locally and is your representative in the media and provincial union spaces. We need to stand firm, unified, and together as a larger union. We need an approach that builds relationships. I am ready to fulfill that role.

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To close, I want to return to my mantra: “hope is not a plan.” I don’t just hope things get better—I’m committed to making them better. That means reducing class sizes. Securing resources. Protecting your working conditions. Representing your voice.

Are you in a rural or small school? I have a plan and WILL support you.

Do you work in Alternative Education or LLS? I have a plan and WILL support you.

Are you coaching or running clubs? I here for you too.

Wherever you are—whatever your role—I will steadfastly be here for you.

I will remain responsive, grounded in your feedback, and available. I’m just a text or call away, and I always respond quickly.

Thank you for your time, your trust, and your vote.

I am at your service—always.