The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) is extending its complete solidarity to colleagues in the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) following the passage of the Back to School Act—legislation that ended a legal teachers’ strike and imposed a collective agreement previously rejected by Alberta educators.
STF president, Samantha Becotte describes the move as “unprecedented,” saying it disrespects teachers and undermines teachers’ rights nationwide. By invoking the notwithstanding clause, the Alberta government has bypassed both collective bargaining and future legal challenges—actions, the STF argues, that erode democratic principles protected by the Constitution.
“Teachers across Canada are united,” says Becotte, noting that Saskatchewan’s 14,000 educators stand with Alberta’s 51,000 teachers, and join hundreds of thousands more in opposing the province’s use of emergency legislative powers.
The STF echoes a growing chorus of Canadian teachers, labour organizations, and concerned citizens calling on Alberta to rescind the legislation and return to bargaining with the ATA in good faith.
Over 13,000 Saskatchewan teachers including those in Lloydminster led job action in 2024, at times marching in sub-zero temperatures. Negotiations went to binding arbitration before a new contract was signed in April this year.
