Protesters Demand Changes to Alberta’s Education Laws NOW

URGENT UPDATE: Thousands of protesters gathered at City Hall in Alberta on Sunday for a powerful ‘Save Alberta’s Education’ rally, demanding immediate changes to contentious educational policies. The crowd is vehemently opposing the province’s new book ban and restrictive transgender laws that impact youth, which have sparked intense debate and widespread concern among educators and families alike.

The newly enacted laws limit gender-affirming health care for youth under 16, mandate parental consent or notification when students wish to change their names or pronouns at school, and effectively ban trans girls and women from competing in female amateur sports. “It is not fair what this government is doing to trans kids and to teachers through those anti-trans rules that have been put in place. We’re forcing teachers to out kids,” stated Calgary-Foothills MLA Court Ellingson during the rally.

Adding to the urgency, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has confirmed that her government is prepared to defend these laws in court, even considering the use of the Notwithstanding Clause to override Charter Rights. This has raised alarms among advocates for 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff. “We recognize that we have 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff in our schools who deserve to be their true authentic selves at school. We’re concerned that this clause would prohibit that and make schools not the safe spaces they should be for them,” warned Alberta Teachers’ Association President Jason Shilling.

The rally also highlighted broader issues within the education system, including demands for increased funding for both students and teachers. Tensions are high as Alberta teachers face a critical decision: they have until 5 p.m. on Monday to vote on a tentative agreement with the province that includes a 12 percent salary increase over four years and provisions for COVID-19 vaccines. The government has also pledged to hire 3,000 additional teachers over the next three years.

If teachers reject the deal, they are set to strike on October 6, a move that could disrupt classrooms across the province.

As developments unfold, the eyes of the nation are on Alberta. The outcome of this vote will determine not only the immediate future of educational policies but also the broader treatment of trans and non-binary students in schools.

CTV News has reached out to the premier’s office for comments regarding the rally and its implications. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.