APPENDIX B

50

1. Current practice 

Self-identification for ETFO members is voluntary and 
confidential. 

Since 2000, ETFO has invited members to self-identify 
as a member of one of the following designated groups 
on all application and registration forms:

Y

 Aboriginal;

Y

 Disabled; 

Y

 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or 

Questioning (LGBTQ); 

Y

 Members of racialized groups; and 

Y

 Woman.

Members are also invited to self-identify on ETFO’s 
annual member information survey. Beginning in 2007, 
members who elect to self-identify on the survey have 
two options: to self-identify for statistical purposes 
only, or for statistical purposes and for outreach 
(including direct mail) regarding ETFO programs, 
including leadership programs, focus groups, writing 
groups, standing committees, etc.

2. Personal identity

Many people bear identities that have been imposed 
upon them by those around them. These identities are 
often based on stereotypes, and can result in social 
marginalization. 

Voluntary self-identification provides individuals with 
autonomy in defining their identities at a particular 
time and according to their own criteria. These criteria 
can include race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, 
personal history, culture and tradition, and social and 
political knowledge. 

Since identities are multiple and shifting, the process 
of self-identification is never straightforward or clear 
cut. The objective is not to categorize people, but to 

increase our collective knowledge of the identities of 
ETFO members in order to meet their needs better. 

3. Why has ETFO chosen to collect self-

identification information only for these 
particular “designated groups?”

With one exception, ETFO’s “designated groups” are 
the same groups identified in Ontario’s Employment
Equity Act (enacted in 1994 and repealed by the Harris 
government in 1995) and in Canada’s Employment
Equity Act (1986, still in effect). The LGBTQ group has 
been added to ETFO’s “designated groups,” as this 
group has in recent years been identified by courts 
throughout Canada as a key equity-seeking group.

These “designated groups” are identified in ETFO’s 
“Statement on Social Justice and Equity,

” approved by 

the provincial Executive in 2002.

4. Why is ETFO collecting this Information?

ETFO’s constitutional objects and current priorities 
include commitments to social justice and to member 
involvement.

Collecting and reporting self-identification statistics is 
one way ETFO holds itself accountable to members for 
those commitments. 

Members’ self-identification information enables ETFO 
to reach out to members from equity-seeking groups, 
to alert them to relevant programs, and to seek their 
input and assistance in developing inclusive services 
and programs.

Self-identification helps to ensure that all of ETFO’s 
policies and practices are inclusive, reflective of our 
diverse membership, and reflect our priorities.

ETFO Protocol Concerning 

Members’ Self-Identification