January 23 and 24
Sheraton Centre, Toronto
The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) invites all public education stakeholders to join us for a future-focused conversation on the issues that matter most in K–12 education.
The 2026 Public Education Symposium (PES) marks an exciting first — we’re opening registration to all school board staff across Ontario and beyond. The Symposium will be of particular interest to school board trustees, directors of education, superintendents, board staff, principals, teachers, and sector change-makers.
Why Attend PES?
Inspire collaboration and action on what matters most: supporting students
Connect and network with Ontario’s public education community
Support local democracy
Gain practical insights from expert-led workshops and keynotes
Symposium Highlights:
- Keynote Speaker: The Hon. Catherine McKenna
Former federal minister and global climate leader Catherine McKenna shares an unfiltered look at what it takes to stand up to bullies, drive real change and lead with courage. Through lessons from her own experience — including her “Climate Barbie” moment — she explores leadership, resilience and the future of democracy.
- Keynote Speaker: Regional Chief Abram Benedict, Chiefs of Ontario
Hear about education priorities and gain a broad view of First Nations education in Ontario and beyond.
- Keynote Speaker: Ontario Ombudsman Paul Dubé
Highlights from the first 10 years of oversight of school boards and our joint efforts to bolster this important part of local democracy.
- Panel Discussion: Where Are We Now? Where Are We Headed?
A candid debrief on protecting local democracy, the future of publicly-funded education and lessons learned from outside Ontario.
- 15+ Workshops
We are finalizing a selection of over fifteen workshops supporting student achievement and well-being, including online harms, vaping, and school food programs, as well as special workshops on practicing reconciliation in Ontario schools and best practices in special education.
- Two Full Days of Programming
With two networking receptions, two breakfasts, two lunches and a gala dinner on Saturday night.
For more information, contact pdevents@opsba.org.