CP NewsAlert: Alberta using notwithstanding clause to order striking teachers back

By Canadian Press on October 27, 2025.

EDMONTON — Premier Danielle Smith’s government has introduced legislation using the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to order 51,000 striking teachers back to work to end the largest walkout in Alberta history.

The move puts the government on a potential collision course with more than 350,000 workers in other provincial unions, which have promised an “unprecedented response” if the clause is used to override teachers’ rights.

The teachers have been on strike for three weeks in a dispute over wages and working conditions, affecting more than 740,000 students in public, separate and francophone schools.

The bill imposes a previous deal teachers overwhelmingly rejected: a 12 per cent wage hike over four years and a promise to hire 3,000 more teachers.

Students would return to classes Wednesday, and the teachers and their union, the Alberta Teachers’ Association, would face hefty fines for non-compliance.

Smith says the government didn’t want to use the notwithstanding clause but the number of people affected by the strike coupled with the need for labour stability required it.

More coming.

Lisa Johnson and Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press