UCP Insider Spills: Inside Scoop Shakes Up Calgary

Tensions within the United Conservative Party are high as Alberta grapples with an ongoing teachers' strike, which began on October 6, 2025. The dispute between the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) and the Government of Alberta (GoA) centers on a new labour contract, with key issues including wages, class sizes, and classroom support.

For Calgarians, the strike has created significant disruption and public discussion, impacting an education system that is a cornerstone of the city's growth and economy. The Calgary Board of Education alone has seen its student population surge by 17,000 over the past three years to 146,000. Many parents are experiencing anxiety over child care, students falling behind academically, and the disruption to routines, with experts noting that prolonged school closures can lead to significant losses in academic achievement and impacts on mental health. This particularly affects disadvantaged families with limited resources.

Premier Danielle Smith announced on October 24, 2025, that back-to-work legislation would be introduced on October 27, 2025, if a negotiated deal is not reached. This comes after the ATA overwhelmingly rejected a previous offer including a 12 percent raise and a promise of 3,000 additional teachers, deeming it inadequate to address classroom overcrowding and under-resourcing. Public sentiment appears to largely sympathize with the teachers, with an Angus Reid Institute poll indicating 58 percent of Albertans support teachers, compared to 21 percent for the government. Teachers have expressed feeling demoralized by the potential for forced returns without addressing core issues.

The situation prompts Calgarians to deeply consider the political implications and the vital role educators play in the community's future.