Parties debate visions for the future

Education factored into the discussions that took place as delegates representing Alberta’s two dominant political parties assembled from Oct. 21 to 23, with the NDP holding its convention in Calgary and the UCP holding its annual general meeting in Edmonton. 

NDP update

Policy resolutions passed by the NDP included several that would impact students, teachers’ and public education in general. An NDP government would rescind the new K–6 curriculum, increase public funding to public schools and introduce a timeline to phase out private school funding. The NDP would also reverse the UCP government’s legislation (Bill 32) that affects the ability of unions and associations like the Alberta Teachers’ Association to use member dues on political and advocacy functions. The party also voted to implement the class size guidelines and recommendations included in the 2003 Alberta’s Commission on Learning Report and build new schools in new and growing communities.

In creating a new curriculum, the NDP resolutions vowed to strike a curriculum advisory committee and pledged to evaluate and revise the curricula at least every 10 years; ensure the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action on education are realized; and develop a social studies curriculum that includes the knowledge, perspectives and diverse identities of racialized Canadians.

UCP meets

The UCP AGM received attention for one particularly controversial resolution that aimed to ban teaching antiracism, diversity or critical race theory in Alberta schools. It stated “A public education system should not be ideological in its outlook or focused on promoting a political message to impressionable students. The aims of our education system should be focussed on teaching literacy, numeracy, and be skills and knowledge based.” The resolution failed to get majority approval.

Another UCP resolution that drew notice focused on parental choice, and called for the party to, among other things, “uphold the rights of parents and caregivers so as not to require them to affirm or socially condition a child in a gender identity that is incongruent with the child’s birth sex.” The resolution passed overwhelmingly; however, it’s not guaranteed to become government policy.

Cabinet changes bypass education

Premier Danielle Smith’s new cabinet was sworn in on Oct. 24, with Adriana LaGrange remaining the education minister. By that point, Smith had not indicated any specific directives for the education portfolio, but she indicated that she’d have a mandate letter for each of the ministers within about a week.

ATA president Jason Schilling said he’ll be watching to see what’s in the letter and will be reaching out to both Smith and LaGrange.

“We’re always willing to work with the government to advance the principles of public education and ensure that teachers’ experiences and wisdom are taken into account in decisions that affect them,” Schilling said. ❚

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks to media after swearing in her new cabinet on Monday, Oct. 24.