Alberta Prepares for School Closures as Teachers Strike Looms

EDMONTON – Schools across Alberta are set to close as the province prepares an online curriculum for students in light of a planned teachers’ strike. Scheduled for Monday, this walkout is expected to involve approximately 51,000 members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, impacting more than 700,000 students enrolled in public, separate, and francophone schools.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides announced that a comprehensive home curriculum has been made available online. This initiative aims to assist parents in continuing their children’s education during the strike. Nicolaides emphasized that it is unfair for students to suffer due to the strike action, noting the importance of maintaining educational continuity.

Earlier this week, nearly 90 percent of union members who participated in a vote rejected the province’s latest offer, which included a 12 percent salary increase over four years, along with a commitment to hire an additional 3,000 teachers. The union’s decisive rejection reflects deep dissatisfaction with the current negotiations.

Union president Jason Schilling acknowledged that a strike could create challenges for parents but insisted that teachers are advocating for better conditions for students. He urged parents to apply pressure on the government to prioritize education reform. Schilling stated, “Teachers recognize the inconvenience this may cause, but they are standing up for the future of our children.”

As the situation unfolds, parents and educators alike are watching closely. The government’s response to the striking teachers’ demands will be crucial in determining the future of education in Alberta.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 3, 2025.