The spring session of the 31st legislature began on February 25. Highlights from question period during the week of April 7–10 included the following topics related to teachers and education:
Education Funding, April 7
Amanda Chapman, NDP MLA for Calgary-Beddington, pressed Education Minister Nicolaides on Alberta’s status as the province with the lowest per-student education funding in Canada. She referred to a decade-long decline in investment, rapid population growth from immigration and the need for adequate supports in inclusive classrooms. Framing education as a pillar of democracy and equality, Chapman challenged the minister to align Alberta’s funding with Canadian values.
Nicolaides, in response, emphasized record investments in Budget 2025, including over $1 billion in new funding over three years and plans to build 100 new schools. He highlighted Alberta’s top national rankings in reading and math and framed the province as a global leader in education. However, he did not directly address Chapman’s point about Alberta’s bottom-ranked funding level.
Camrose School Construction, April 8
Amanda Chapman, NDP MLA for Calgary-Beddington, questioned Infrastructure Minister Martin Long over delays in opening a newly built high school in Camrose, criticizing the government for proceeding with construction without securing road access or utility servicing. She pointed to parental frustration and asked who is responsible for the oversight, noting that the fix is expected to cost at least $1 million.
Long said the school was completed eight months ahead of schedule but cannot open due to a dispute between the city of Camrose and a developer over site servicing. He stated the province had offered solutions but had not received a firm commitment from the city. Transportation Minister Ric McIver later added that Camrose had committed to providing road and utility access but failed to follow through, placing the responsibility on the municipality. Neither minister explained why the project was approved without confirming the land was ready. ❚
