AFL Press Conference Scrutiny: Calgarians Call for Clear Action

Calgary is buzzing after the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL), led by President Gil McGowan, and Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske, delivered a fiery address on October 29, 2025. Their focus: the UCP government's controversial Bill 2, the Back to School Act, which forced striking teachers back to work and imposed a new contract after a three-week provincewide strike from October 6 to October 29, 2025. This marks the first time Alberta has invoked the Notwithstanding Clause to end a labour dispute, legislating an agreement and banning future strikes until 2028.

The fallout is particularly felt in Calgary. Teachers and students returned to classrooms on Wednesday, October 29, with schools scrambling to recover lost instructional time. Many Calgarians, including students who staged walkouts and rallies, have shown strong support for teachers, who express concerns that Bill 2 fails to address core issues like class sizes and classroom complexity, potentially leading to a demoralized learning environment. The strike also hit local businesses, with some reporting significant drops in customers, underscoring the interconnectedness of government policies and Calgary's economy.

McGowan’s declaration to "topple the government" and "make Danielle Smith a radio host again, not a Premier" has ignited intense debate. While Calgary boasts a rich labour history, including the founding of the One Big Union in March 1919 and a significant general strike that same year, such confrontational rhetoric risks alienating Conservative voters, a crucial demographic in Alberta’s politically split urban landscape. Recent polls from October 2025 reveal weakening public optimism and declining favourability for Premier Smith, with education ranking as a top concern for Albertans.

With significant public backing for teachers, Calgarians are eager for decisive actions focused on restoring negotiation rights, rather than solely on governmental shifts, which are best left to the ballot box. The AFL has warned of a potential general strike as a response.