Alberta Government Faces Backlash Over Teacher Strike, Disability Aid Changes, and School Shutdown Payments

Government Orders Teachers Back to Work Amidst Strike

On October 28, the United Conservative Party (UCP) government of Alberta took decisive action, ordering 51,000 teachers—members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association who had been on strike since October 6—back to work. Classes resumed the very next day, following the passage of the “Back to School Act.” The legislation imposed harsh financial penalties: individual teachers faced fines of 500 Canadian dollars (about $360 USD) per day for defying the order, while the union itself risked a staggering $500,000 daily fine.

What made this directive especially controversial was the government’s invocation of the “notwithstanding clause,” a legal mechanism that shields the legislation from Charter-based challenges for five years. This move effectively forced teachers to accept a contract they had overwhelmingly rejected—by 89.5%—just weeks before.

Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour, didn’t mince words in his response: “Make no mistake, the UCP has just launched a war against workers,” he said, highlighting concerns about union rights and the broader impact of the government’s approach during what many view as an affordability crisis. Militant reports that teachers returned to work on October 29, facing the threat of daily fines.

Negotiations between the teachers’ union and the provincial government had been ongoing for over a year. The union’s demands focused on reversing the decline in education quality, reducing overcrowded classes—some with forty or more students—and securing desperately needed wage increases. The strike was authorized by a 95% mandate, signaling deep frustration among educators.

Rallies in Edmonton and across the province reflected widespread public support. Tens of thousands of teachers, students, and supporters demonstrated, with 30,000 protesting at the opening of the legislature’s fall session. Their confidence grew as the strike continued, even in the face of mounting pressure.

Controversy Over Disability Support Program Changes

While teachers and supporters filled Alberta’s streets, another group was mobilizing against a different government initiative: the proposed transition from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) to the Alberta Disability Assistant Program (ADAP). The petition, started by Edmonton resident Darryl Learie, calls for the government to halt the transition, cancel the ADAP proposal, and maintain current AISH benefits and earning exemptions. It also demands a guaranteed appeals process for disability assistance applicants.

Terri Grills, a volunteer for the petition and long-time foster parent, described the transition as “dangerous for people with disabilities.” She argued that forcing individuals to reapply for support and be evaluated by a committee rather than their own doctors could be “criminal” and potentially life-threatening. The government claims that ADAP will empower those with disabilities to pursue employment while retaining essential supports, but critics say the changes will reduce monthly benefits by $200, lower earning exemptions, and eliminate appeals.

“AISH already allows people to work, so it makes no sense to remove everyone onto another program. It’s simply the government’s way of taking more money away from a vulnerable population,” Grills said. An online petition—currently with about 2,500 signatures—echoes concerns about cuts and uncertainty for Albertans with disabilities. For many, the planned changes represent not just policy tweaks but a fundamental shift in how the province treats its most vulnerable citizens. Red Deer Advocate has documented these concerns in detail.

School Shutdown Payments: Delays and Frustration

Compounding public frustration, some Alberta parents have experienced delays in receiving government payments intended to offset expenses from a recent three-week school shutdown. The provincial government began sending e-transfer payments to parents on the designated day, but the sheer volume of transactions resulted in staggered batches. Many parents found themselves waiting, uncertain if or when their payment would arrive.

Technical issues have further complicated matters. Some applicants struggled to locate their reference numbers, required for accessing the funds. The Ministry of Education acknowledged the challenges and is working to resolve them. Parents who exceeded the number of allowed e-transfer access attempts saw their payments canceled, though officials say these can be reissued once validation is complete.

The government emphasized that those eligible but not paid in the initial run will be included in future payment batches. For additional assistance, parents have been encouraged to contact local MLA constituency offices or use the official government website. Harvard Media News covered these developments, highlighting the confusion and anxiety experienced by families relying on the payments.

Alberta Sovereignty and Legislative Agenda

Amid these domestic challenges, Premier Danielle Smith opened the fall legislative session with Bill 1—the International Agreements Act—aimed at strengthening Alberta’s autonomy. The bill stipulates that any federal international agreement impacting provincial matters would require Alberta’s explicit approval before taking effect locally.

Smith framed the legislation as a defense of Alberta’s constitutional rights, drawing inspiration from Quebec’s approach to international agreements. “Ottawa can sign international agreements with other countries, that’s their right,” Smith said. “But this legislation makes it clear that those agreements will only become enforceable in Alberta if implemented under provincial legislation.”

Political scientist Jared Wesley told Lakeland Today that the bill is more symbolic than substantive, serving as a political signal of Alberta’s ongoing quest for autonomy. He noted that, in practice, international commitments already require enabling provincial legislation, and Bill 1 does little to change actual policy.

The timing of the bill’s introduction—amid the teacher strike—prompted questions, but government officials insisted the legislative order was planned months in advance and was unrelated to the labor unrest. As the legislature continues its session, the bill remains under debate, reflecting the UCP government’s priorities for the province.

Public Response and Unanswered Questions

From the streets of Edmonton to city halls in Red Deer and Fort McMurray, Alberta residents have made their voices heard. The government’s rapid, forceful approach to the teacher strike, proposed disability program changes, and logistical issues with school shutdown payments have all generated waves of protest and skepticism. Many see these decisions as indicative of a government willing to use legislative power to settle disputes, sometimes at the expense of democratic process and the well-being of vulnerable populations.

As Alberta pushes for greater sovereignty and legislative control, the real test may be whether these moves foster genuine dialogue and solutions—or simply deepen divisions between policymakers and those they represent.

In its drive to assert control and implement sweeping changes, the Alberta government has triggered public resistance on multiple fronts, exposing the tension between legislative authority and the lived realities of teachers, parents, and those with disabilities. The coming months will reveal whether these policies strengthen the province—or fracture trust in its leadership.