The Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) stands unequivocally with thousands of educators who are fighting for the basic right to bargain, for better schools, and safe, supportive classrooms. By using the notwithstanding clause through the Back to School Act (Bill 2), the Government of Alberta chose to silence teachers and crush workers’ rights instead of fixing the real crisis in public education. Teachers and students have been sounding the alarm for years about chronic underfunding, rising classroom pressures, and deteriorating learning and working conditions.
“This legislation is dangerous overreach and should be a wake-up call for every worker in Canada,” said CAPE President Nathan Prier. “Collective bargaining and the right to strike are cornerstones of a democracy. Workers across this country are learning quickly how these rights need to be actively defended – we can’t take anything for granted anymore, and we need to be organized enough to confront those that would take our rights away.”
CAPE calls on the federal government to act in defence of Charter-protected freedoms and encourages all Canadians to defend fundamental rights by contacting their elected officials and preparing to respond to any calls for solidarity from Alberta teachers on the front lines.
Education is the bedrock of a strong and equitable society. Alberta’s teachers deserve respect, resources, and a role in shaping the future of their classrooms.
