AFL's Delayed Response to Teacher's Strike Raises Concerns
The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) has faced considerable scrutiny following the provincial government's swift imposition of a forced return to work for Alberta teachers. Bill 2, dubbed the "Back to School Act," was introduced on October 27, 2025, passed into law early on October 28, 2025, and saw teachers back in classrooms by October 29, 2025. This legislative action ended a three-week provincial strike that began October 6, affecting over 50,000 teachers and approximately 750,000 students across the province.
The government's move, which invoked the notwithstanding clause and imposed a contract overwhelmingly rejected by teachers, drew immediate condemnation from educators and a divided public. While AFL President Gil McGowan has been vocal on social media, stakeholders are calling for more decisive action, expressing concern that the AFL's current strategy could diminish momentum for effective advocacy.
In Calgary, students across the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) returned to school on October 29. Many local parents expressed relief at the resumption of classes, though others voiced sadness for teachers and apprehension about the unresolved issues of large class sizes and resource limitations that prompted the strike. The disruption also impacted Calgary businesses, with some near schools reporting significant drops in lunchtime revenue. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, MLA for Calgary-Bow, is now facing a citizen-initiated recall petition, underscoring the local discontent with the province's handling of the education system.
The situation highlights ongoing questions about provincial education standards and funding, with Alberta reportedly having the lowest average per-student spending compared to other major provinces between 2020/21 and 2023/24. As the province moves forward, the effectiveness of labor advocacy in a politically charged environment remains a key concern for Calgary families invested in their children's education.
