Alberta Premier Smith Proposes Education Commission Post-Strike

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced plans to establish a commission on education following the resolution of the ongoing provincewide teachers’ strike. The strike, which began on October 6, 2025, has seen approximately 740,000 students absent from their classrooms across 2,500 schools.

During an event held by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Smith emphasized the need for “new models” to address key issues such as classroom complexity and support systems. The strike involves the union representing around 51,000 teachers, and the primary points of contention include wages, classroom sizes, and additional supports for educators.

The proposed commission would draw inspiration from a similar initiative established after the last teachers’ strike in 2002, which aimed to evaluate and enhance the educational landscape in Alberta. Smith’s comments came as thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the venue, advocating for increased investments in education. Police estimates indicated that between 8,000 and 10,000 people participated in the march.

In response to the ongoing situation, Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of another commission. He stated that the union is seeking immediate action to improve the classroom environment rather than merely forming committees.

Both the provincial government and the teachers’ union have not provided updates on when negotiations might resume. Smith indicated that if the strike continues to disrupt education significantly, her government might consider legislative measures to compel teachers to return to work as the legislature session begins in the last week of October.

With the strike entering its ninth day, the impact on students and families continues to grow, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution that addresses the core issues at stake.