News Release
Getting Alberta’s kids back to school
If passed, Bill 2, the Back to School Act, will restore stability in Alberta’s education system and ensure students can return to learning without further disruption.
The ongoing teachers’ strike has disrupted classrooms across Alberta, setting back student learning and deepening achievement gaps. Each day schools remain closed, students lose critical instructional time, routine and support. This proposed legislation will end the strike and establish reasonable terms for a new teacher collective agreement.
“This strike has gone on long enough. It’s clear there’s no path forward unless we act. The Back to School Act refocuses everyone on what matters most, the education of Alberta’s students. Bill 2 puts students back at the centre of our system, while we continue to work with teachers and families to build lasting stability in Alberta’s schools.”
Danielle Smith, Premier
The Back to School Act legislates the terms of the September 2025 tentative agreement, which provided a 12 per cent salary increase over four years, additional market adjustments of up to 17 per cent for most teachers, and the hiring of 3,000 teachers and 1,500 educational assistants. The collective agreement will be in effect from Sept. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2028.
“The time for labour stability is now. This legislation provides a positive path forward despite an interrupted school year. This is a necessary step and the most responsible decision for kids, teachers and parents. If Bill 2 is passed, it is my hope that classes will resume as soon as Wednesday, October 29.”
Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance
The last deal put on the table by the Alberta Teachers’ Association demanded an additional $2 billion from government. This was a clear display that the union had no intention to bargain in a reasonable manner with the government and present a fair offer.
“We believe invoking the notwithstanding clause is a necessary measure to end the undue hardship caused by the teacher strike. This strike has reached a point that is causing irreparable harm on student learning. Our government will not hesitate to use every available legal tool in defence of students.”
Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General
This legislation is the only responsible path forward to restore stability, protect students and ensure Alberta’s classrooms focus back on learning. Alberta’s government remains fully committed to strengthening the education system, supporting teachers, and putting the success and well-being of students at the heart of every decision made.
Key facts
Bill 2 would end the province-wide teachers’ strike and legislates a new collective agreement.
The agreement covers Sept. 1, 2024, to Aug. 31, 2028 and provides:
A 12 per cent salary increase over four years.
Additional market adjustments of up to 17 per cent for 95 per cent of members.
3,000 new teachers and 1,500 educational assistants to reduce class sizes and enhance support.
These terms reflect the September 2025 tentative agreement recommended by the Alberta Teachers’ Association leadership.
The legislation includes financial penalties for non-compliance and suspends local bargaining during the agreement to ensure labour stability through 2028.
Media Statement
Naheed Nenshi, Leader of the Official Opposition of Alberta, issued the following statement regarding the passing of Bill 2, The Back to School Act:
“The UCP already had all the necessary tools to end this strike without taking such shocking steps. Instead, they picked a fight with teachers and chose the most unconstitutional and antidemocratic path possible to force them back to work.
“Alberta’s New Democrats are outraged by the dangerous precedent set today by this government, and all Albertans should be too. Rather than engaging in good-faith negotiations, the UCP introduced back-to-work legislation that directly attacks teachers and their
union. This bill imposes punitive fines, enforces an already rejected contract that fails to address worsening classroom conditions, and—most egregiously—invokes the notwithstanding clause against workers.
“Albertans need to be paying attention: their Charter-protected rights are under attack by the UCP. This government has defended Québec’s right to use the notwithstanding clause to attack religious minorities. It does not matter whether you are a worker, a
teacher, or student, our democratic rights have been weakened by the actions taken by the UCP this week. Who is next in the UCP’s line of fire?
“Alberta’s New Democrats unequivocally condemn the actions of the UCP. We continue to stand up for the rights and freedoms of Albertans and will continue to fight back against this government’s blatant disregard for democracy.”
Pinoy Edmonton News 