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- The Alberta Teachers’ Association has launched a constitutional challenge to the Province’s Back to School Act, which used the notwithstanding clause to end last month’s teachers’ strike and impose a rejected contract. ATA president Jason Schilling said the government’s move was an “abuse of power” and a violation of teachers’ Charter rights to free expression and association. The union’s filing in Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench seeks an injunction to pause the law’s effects while the challenge is heard. Justice Minister Mickey Amery defended the government’s use of the clause, saying it ensured students returned to class after three weeks of disruption. Legal experts say the ATA faces an uphill battle, as courts have traditionally deferred to provincial authority when the clause is invoked.
- Speaking of education, Premier Danielle Smith and Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides have launched an 11-member task force to address classroom size and complexity, co-chaired by the two leaders. The committee includes Cabinet Ministers, school superintendents, and one Alberta Teachers’ Association representative, but no frontline teachers. Instead, a separate teacher advisory council will be established to provide direct feedback to the Minister over the next two years. Nicolaides said the goal is to act quickly on class size tracking, inclusive education, and modular classroom planning. ATA president Jason Schilling said the move shows teachers were heard.
- Alberta and the federal government are in high-level talks to sign a memorandum of understanding that could mark a turning point in their strained relationship. Officials on both sides confirmed negotiations are underway, with a goal of finalizing the deal before the Grey Cup on November 16th. The accord would address long-standing disputes over federal climate and energy policies, including emissions caps and clean electricity rules that Alberta has fiercely opposed. Premier Danielle Smith said she will withhold judgment until the talks conclude, adding that she wants to see Ottawa “remove, carve out or overhaul” policies she blames for economic harm. The discussions come as both governments promote investment and energy growth, leading some to hope for a “grand bargain.”
- Premier Danielle Smith is considering changes to Alberta’s Recall Act amid growing political backlash and a surge of recall petitions targeting United Conservative Party MLAs. Speaking at the legislature, Smith said her government is reviewing the rules after reports of improper fundraising linked to recall efforts. At least two petitions have been approved, with 22 MLAs listed online as potential targets, many tied to anger over the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause to end the teachers’ strike. Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson said his staff and family have faced threats and harassment, calling out “deeply concerning” behaviour. Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi accused Smith of trying to shield herself from public accountability, saying recall is part of democracy.
- The Provincial government is considering raising the speed limit on divided highways from 110 km/h to 120 km/h and has launched a public survey to gauge support. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the proposal focuses on four-lane highways such as Highway 2 between Edmonton and Calgary, which he said were engineered for higher speeds. The online survey, open until December 12th, also asks whether commercial trucks should be restricted from using the far left lanes on multi-lane routes. Dreeshen said a pilot project will follow to measure safety and traffic impacts, noting that many Albertans already drive near the proposed limit. The move follows earlier interest from the UCP caucus, including a 2021 private member’s bill that failed to advance.