OUR STORY

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How the DPERWA Union Came to Be

This Union was founded December 15, 1986 at a Constitutional Inaugural Meeting. At that time, there were 100 members and 68 of those members voted for unionization. The Union was certified as the Dufferin Peel Teacher Assistants’ Association with the Labour Board on January 7, 1987.

In 1990, a contest was held to design a logo and in 1991 the ‘umbrella’, designed by member Kathleen Nash, was adopted. In September of 1993, the logo was amended to reflect the name change to the Dufferin Peel Educational Resource Workers’ Association. The name was changed to better reflect our positions. We were no longer ‘assisting teachers’, we were resources to the children with special needs in our care. The name change was officially recognized by the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board in 1999.

In the early years, Union documents were housed in the home of one of the Executive members, but as the membership grew it became apparent that larger premises would be required. A shared premise was rented with two CUPE locals on Meyerside Drive in Mississauga. The President and Secretary were seconded to the office ½ days. In December of 1995, the DPERWA moved to its’ present, larger location on Whittle Road in Mississauga. The building complex went condominium and a vote was held at the May 2006 AMM in favour of purchasing the unit, as sole occupants. The purchase was finalized on December 1, 2006. The Union became incorporated on December 18, 2007 as the Dufferin-Peel ERWA Trustee Corp.

Dec

1986

Founded

This Union was founded December 15, 1986 at a Constitutional Inaugural Meeting. At that time, there were 100 members and 68 of those members voted for unionization.

Jan

1987

Officially Certified

The Union was certified as the Dufferin Peel Teacher Assistants’ Association with the Labour Board on

Jun

1993

Elimination of T.A.'s

In the beginning, T.A.'s were assigned to kindergarten to assist with large classes and others were assigned to work with children with special needs.

In June of 1993, kindergarten T.A. positions were eliminated, and all members were assigned to work with children with special needs in the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board's elementary and secondary schools.

Jun

1986

Our first President

Our first President was Teri Dallimore who served from 1986 to 2005.

Jan

2005

2nd President

Celia Webster served as President from 2005-2006

Jan

2006

3rd President

Sharron Sulston was President from 2006-2008

Jan

2008

4th President

Diane Kossel served as President from 2008-2019

Jan

2019

Current President

Pamela Boniferro was elected President in 2019