Rallies erupt around the province

On Sunday, October 5—World Teachers’ Day and the eve of Alberta’s first ever provincewide teacher strike—teachers and supporters gathered by the thousands in various cities and towns to show their support for public education.

At the Alberta legislature in Edmonton, a lively crowd of more than 18,000 engaged in various chants, including “Public education matters!” and “Get a deal now!”

ATA president Jason Schilling told the crowd that the key to success during the strike would be to get loud and stay loud. He also stressed the importance of sticking together.

“Here’s what solidarity means: we don’t back down, we stand shoulder to shoulder and we don’t leave anyone behind,” he told the crowd. “It’s time to invest in kids. It’s time to invest in classrooms. It’s time to invest in Alberta’s future.”

In Calgary, approximately 2,000 gathered and the message was the same.

“We are here to build a future where every new teacher will not have to think about this day; they will move forward in our profession, thanks to the work we are doing now,” said Lee Martin, president of Calgary Separate School Local No. 55.

A rally in Lethbridge attracted around 2,000 participants and events in Red Deer and Grande Prairie attracted several hundred each.