Classrooms across Alberta officially reopened on Wednesday, marking the end of a 16-day provincewide teachers’ strike, the largest in the province’s history. More than 740,000 students returned to their desks after Premier Danielle Smith used the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to mandate the return of 51,000 teachers to public, separate, and francophone schools.
In both Calgary and Edmonton, parents and students gathered to welcome teachers back. Many supporters wore red shirts, a symbol of solidarity with the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), and carried vibrant signs expressing their appreciation. At Colonel Walker Elementary School in Calgary, cries of “We love teachers!” filled the air.
Cheering crowds welcome teachers back
In Calgary, approximately two dozen parents and children enthusiastically applauded as teachers arrived at school. Sidewalks were adorned with chalk messages like “Thank you teachers.” Many teachers were visibly emotional, taking photos, wiping away tears, and warmly greeting their students.
Colin Mitchell, who dropped off his nine-year-old son, Bennett, expressed a mix of relief and lingering concern. “It feels good. I’m glad that they’re back in the classroom,” he remarked, adding, “It’s just too bad that it had to come to this. I think it’s kind of an elephant in the room still where the problem wasn’t necessarily dealt with fully.”
Bennett himself was overjoyed to be back after three weeks at home, stating, “I’m so excited to see my teacher again.”
Parents show support and voice concerns
Erin O’Dorn and her partner, Phil Grace, also carried signs of gratitude. “We wanted to let teachers know that we love them, that we support them and that we are eternally grateful for everything they did to stand up for public education here in Alberta,” O’Dorn shared. Grace noted that the extended uncertainty of the three-week strike was particularly challenging for children.
Erin Stanten, whose daughter is in Grade 1, encouraged fellow parents to participate in a survey about their strike experiences. She recounted, “My child missed her teacher this whole time. It was pretty heartbreaking.”
Classroom challenges remain
In Edmonton, Grade 11 student Nyla Ahmadzai at McNally School conveyed her mixed feelings. “I’m happy to be back, so I can show my teachers my support. But I’m not happy, because we’re coming back to the same thing – overcrowded classes,” she explained. Ahmadzai described her first social studies class, with 37 students, as starting chaotically, with discussions frequently veering into the recent labor dispute.
The ATA confirmed that teachers would not engage in a work-to-rule protest but strongly criticized the use of the notwithstanding clause, deeming it a violation of rights. Alberta unions have announced intentions to contest the clause, warning that such governmental actions could diminish bargaining power in future labor negotiations.
Meanwhile, school boards have informed parents that classes are proceeding, but cautioned about potential delays or adjustments to diploma exams and extracurricular activities as they navigate the aftermath of the strike.