During this autumn, the Alberta government utilized the notwithstanding clause to compel teachers to return to work.
Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party government invoked this constitutional provision to supersede teachers’ charter rights in order to resolve a deadlock with the teachers who were locked out.
The significant strike commenced on October 6 when 51,000 educators initiated a walkout in public, Catholic, and francophone schools across Alberta due to disputes over wages and working conditions, resulting in the cancellation of classes for approximately 750,000 students.
In an interview at the end of the year, CBC News questioned the premier about the government’s actions during the contract dispute and the future direction of public education in Alberta.
This interview has been abridged for brevity and clarity.
Contract Enforcement
The government enforced a contract on teachers through the Back School Act despite their rejection of it. This action eliminated their right to collective bargaining. Upon returning to classrooms, teachers noticed no changes in conditions. Many teachers feel the government does not value them. How do you view the teachers’ perspective?
Having previously served as a school trustee for the Calgary Board of Education, I advocate for local governance and decision-making. Upon assuming office, we received feedback from our school trustees regarding areas of concern.
In an initial negotiated agreement with teachers earlier in the year, the breakdown of opposition was 60% against and 40% in favor. Subsequently, we proposed an additional $300 million, yet we experienced further divergence.
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Alberta teachers reject mediator’s recommendation, consider strike vote
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Majority of Alberta teachers vote to strike
We sought to understand the situation better. Part of the issue possibly revolved around the need for more work on addressing classroom complexity and aggression.
Hence, we initiated the complexity task force. Upon receiving the task force’s findings, we recognized that certain decisions could not be made at the bargaining table.
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