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Alberta’s Bill 2 Override Faces Backlash as Teachers Mull Provincewide Strike

Letters to Alberta papers spotlight constitutional concerns over the Back to School Act.

Overview

  • The provincial government invoked the notwithstanding clause in relation to Bill 2, the Back to School Act, to limit teachers’ rights.
  • Labour leaders and teachers are discussing coordinated job action, including the possibility of a provincial or general strike.
  • Letter writers accuse Premier Danielle Smith’s government of anti-democratic conduct, citing unreleased public opinion survey results and a raised gift limit.
  • Other correspondents warn a general strike would be costly and could force taxpayers to choose between higher taxes to meet demands or holding the line.
  • Visible community support for educators has been documented in Calgary, including a Halloween display photographed by Postmedia.