Five Days to Victory: What Ontario's Education Workers Teach Us About Standing Together

Alberta’s classrooms will see teachers return this week under a government mandate, but a powerful lesson from Ontario reminds Calgarians of the swift impact collective action can have.

Just three years ago, in November 2022, Ontario’s government passed Bill 28, the Keeping Students in Class Act. This legislation used the notwithstanding clause to impose a contract on CUPE education workers and ban strikes. Yet, within four days of the bill's passage, widespread public backlash forced the government to commit to its repeal, which formally occurred on November 14, 2022.

This compelling five-day victory offers a striking parallel for Calgarians. As of October 27, 2025, the Alberta government has used the notwithstanding clause to order more than 50,000 teachers back to work, ending a province-wide strike that began October 6, 2025. This action legislates the terms of an agreement that the Alberta Teachers' Association had widely rejected.

For Calgarians grappling with a rising cost of living and a living wage of $24.45 per hour – significantly higher than Alberta's $15 minimum wage – the protection of workers' rights remains a critical local issue. Our city, with its strong history of community advocacy, from championing projects like the Green Line to addressing educational needs, knows the power of collective voices. As public sector bargaining continues to be a contentious issue across Alberta, staying vocal and united is essential for all residents.