Alberta Cancels January 2026 Diploma Exams, PATs Amid Teacher Strike

The Alberta government has announced the cancellation of the January 2026 diploma exams for high school students and the provincial achievement tests (PATs) for Grade 9 students. This decision follows a 16-day teacher strike and aims to allow students and educators to refocus on learning after significant instructional time was lost.

Officials stated that the cancellation will not hinder students’ opportunities for post-secondary education. “Students who choose not to write at a later date will receive their school-awarded mark as their final official course mark,” the government’s notice explained. Additionally, transcripts will include a notation confirming that no diploma exam was completed, ensuring that students can still graduate and transition into higher education programs without issue.

Options for Students and Strike Context

Students will have the opportunity to take the diploma exams in April and June 2026 if they wish to do so. The government confirmed that this cancellation applies to all school authorities across the province, highlighting the broad impact of the recent labor disruptions.

The announcement comes as the Alberta government has begun implementing compensation for families affected by the three-week strike. This labor action aimed to secure a classroom cap in negotiations with the government. The strike concluded when Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party swiftly passed Bill 2 on Tuesday, mandating teachers to return to work. The controversial legislation imposed a collective bargaining agreement that had previously been rejected by teachers and utilized the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to protect it from judicial review.

The government’s decision to cancel the exams reflects its commitment to prioritize educational continuity in the wake of the disruptions caused by the strike. While the situation remains fluid, officials are focused on ensuring that students receive the support they need to succeed academically.