Parents, students, and educators throughout the province are getting ready for a return to school following the government’s mandate to end a three-week-long strike by Alberta teachers. School boards have been informing parents about the planned reopening on Wednesday morning after the passing of Bill 2, also known as the Back to School Act, in the early hours of Tuesday in the legislature.
Teachers initiated the strike on October 6 due to failed contract negotiations and two rejected agreements. The Edmonton Catholic School Division and the Edmonton Public School Board have confirmed that schools will resume operations. Similarly, both Calgary’s public and Catholic school boards, along with Rocky View Schools, have announced a return to classes on Wednesday.
Over 51,000 teachers have been on strike, affecting approximately 750,000 students across public, Catholic, and francophone schools. Sarah Hamilton, an education professor at Mount Royal University, emphasized the varying levels of educational engagement students experienced during the strike, noting the challenges for parents in providing support.
Transitioning back to normalcy may be a gradual process for some students, Hamilton mentioned, highlighting the importance of rebuilding routines and structure for children. Teachers, transitioning from strike mode to regular teaching, may be hastily preparing lesson plans, as highlighted by Vanessa Amyotte, a teacher and president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Evergreen Catholic Local 44.
Lisa Paradis from Leduc has been preparing her high school children for their return to school, ensuring they resume a regular schedule and are updated on strike developments. While her children are eager to return, Paradis expressed frustration over the situation, concerned about the impact on her children’s education and the reduction in support services. She plans to have her children wear red as a sign of solidarity.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties resulting from the government’s intervention through back-to-work legislation and the notwithstanding clause, teachers like Jason Smith in Grande Prairie are focusing on supporting students and addressing learning gaps and necessary supports. Smith expressed feelings of having rights stripped away but remains committed to welcoming students with a positive attitude.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association has criticized the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause, describing it as an assault on the rights of Albertans. The president of the ATA warned about potential threats to other labor rights amid the ongoing dispute.
