Alberta Premier Proposes Education Commission Post-Teachers Strike

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced her intention to establish a commission on education following the resolution of a provincewide teachers strike that began on October 6, 2025. This announcement comes after more than 51,000 teachers walked off the job, significantly affecting schools across the province.

Speaking at an event organized by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Smith emphasized the need for “new models” to address challenges such as classroom complexity. The ongoing labour dispute primarily revolves around issues of wages, support, and classroom sizes, prompting calls for systemic reform.

Teachers Demand Immediate Action

The idea of creating an education commission is reminiscent of a similar initiative formed after the last major teachers’ strike in 2002, which aimed to evaluate the state of Alberta’s education system. While Smith advocates for this commission, Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, expressed that the union is not seeking more commissions or committees; rather, they are demanding concrete actions to enhance classroom conditions.

On the day of Smith’s announcement, a substantial crowd of approximately 8,000 to 10,000 people gathered outside the venue, urging the government to invest more in education. The protest underscored the urgency felt by educators and supporters regarding the current state of the educational environment.

As the negotiations between the government and the teachers’ union remain stalled, both parties have not provided updates on the timeline for returning to the bargaining table. Smith indicated that if the strike’s impact becomes irreparable, her government may consider legislating a return to work for the teachers when the legislative session begins in the last week of October.

Impact on Students and Schools

Currently, approximately 740,000 students from around 2,500 schools have been affected by the strike, missing eight days of classes. The implications of this prolonged absence are significant, raising concerns about educational continuity and student well-being.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 16, 2025. As the situation evolves, the focus remains on achieving a resolution that prioritizes the needs of students and educators alike.