Response to the mandate letter to Education Minister Nicolaides

Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) President Jason Schilling has issued the following statement with regard to Premier Smith’s mandate letter to Education Minister Nicolaides.

The ATA is always in favour of taking a proactive approach to the path of public education in our province. The mandate letter issued to the education minister contains some promising elements, but there are areas that demand cautious implementation.

We remain committed to supporting diverse career pathways for students, including in the skilled trades. Efforts to strengthen trades education are valuable, provided they do not compromise the integrity of Alberta’s education system through rushed or poorly planned implementation. While trades education is already available through option courses such as industrial arts and carpentry as early as in junior high, it must remain balanced with broad learning opportunities. Rather than being prematurely prioritized, trades careers should be promoted equitably alongside all academic routes.

The focus in the mandate letter on improved supports for students with complex needs, as well as better mental health supports, is encouraging. The proposed new schools and mobile CTS labs will help meet teachers’ and students’ needs across the province. We look forward to seeing these items prioritized in Budget 2026.

Our chief concern is that the government is considering a proposal to abbreviate teacher certification for individuals with degrees, diplomas or trade credentials. Teaching is a rigorous profession requiring expertise and specialized skills beyond just subject knowledge. We need to ensure our future teachers have the tools they need to succeed in classrooms, while upholding the quality of education Alberta students deserve. 

The government needs to engage in meaningful dialogue with the profession and educational partners to implement the priorities identified in the mandate. Alberta’s students deserve a future shaped by thoughtful, research-informed policy, and together we can find solutions.