The Manitoba Teachers’ Society stands in unwavering solidarity with our colleagues in the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) as they confront an unprecedented assault on their constitutional rights.

The Alberta government’s passage of Bill 2, the Back to School Act, and its decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause to impose a contract on teachers, is a profound betrayal of democratic principles and collective bargaining rights. This legislation not only silences the voices of 51,000 Alberta teachers but sends a chilling message to all workers across Canada: that governments can use extraordinary powers to override basic rights when it suits their political agenda.

We have said it once and we will keep saying it: teachers’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions.

When educators advocate for manageable class sizes, additional supports for students with complex needs, and adequate resources for classrooms, they are standing up for the right of every child to a quality education.

The teachers of Alberta have shown extraordinary courage in demanding that their government invest in learning conditions that allow all students to thrive. Responding with coercion instead of collaboration shows a deep disrespect for both teachers and the children that depend on them.

By ramming through legislation that ends a legal strike, suspends bargaining for years, and pre-emptively blocks court challenges, the Alberta government has set a dangerous precedent — one that undermines the fabric of free collective bargaining and the rule of law.

This single act reveals a troubling disregard for teachers’ professionalism, expertise, and lived experience in the classroom. It suggests that the government views educators not as partners in building a strong public education system, but as obstacles to be managed.

The Manitoba Teachers’ Society condemns this abuse of legislative power. We reaffirm our belief that strong public education depends on respecting the voices of those who work most closely with students. When teachers are silenced, democracy and public education are weakened together.

We call on the Alberta government to rescind Bill 2, restore full collective bargaining rights to Alberta teachers, and re-engage in good-faith negotiations that reflect respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to all children.

An attack on teachers anywhere is an attack on education everywhere.

In standing with Alberta teachers, we stand for students, for public education, and for the democratic values that unite us all.

In solidarity,

Lillian Klausen, President, MTS