Overview
- Premier Danielle Smith says a back-to-work bill is expected Oct. 27 if the walkout continues, while House Leader Joseph Schow says the timing and process are not finalized.
- Cabinet is set to discuss next steps on Tuesday, and officials declined to say whether the notwithstanding clause will be used as legal challenges are contemplated.
- The Alberta Teachers’ Association rejected enhanced mediation that would remove class-size caps from bargaining, saying it remains willing to negotiate but will not drop core demands.
- The government made November diploma exams optional and says students who opt out will not be penalized in post-secondary applications.
- The province cites an offer of a 12% raise over four years and funding to hire 3,000 teachers as 51,000 educators remain off the job, disrupting classes and threatening school sports championships.