UCP Government Faces Backlash Over Teachers' Dispute Handling
The United Conservative Party government under Premier Danielle Smith employed the notwithstanding clause specifically to avoid binding arbitration in the ongoing teachers' dispute, according to critics. The controversial move came after the government both legislated teachers back to work and imposed a contract that had been previously rejected by educators.
The imposed contract deliberately excludes addressing class size and complexity, which was identified as the primary reason for the teachers' strike action. This strategic omission has drawn significant criticism from education advocates and opposition parties alike.
Deliberate Avoidance of Arbitration Process
Back-to-work legislation typically includes binding arbitration as a standard follow-up procedure. However, the Smith administration forcibly removed this step from the process, a move that critics argue demonstrates the government's awareness that they would likely lose in arbitration.
Multiple polls confirm that Albertans side with teachers on this issue, recognizing the validity of their concerns about classroom conditions. The use of Section 33 of the Charter in this manner has been widely criticized as contrary to its intended purpose.
Calgary Property Tax Concerns Surface
Meanwhile, Calgary residents are raising alarms about what they describe as misleading information regarding property tax increases. One homeowner reported that their property, valued at $628,000, was taxed at $4,260 in 2025, with the Tax Instalment Plan (TIP) increasing from $305 to $355 - representing a 16.39 percent jump.
Residents accuse city administration of cherry-picking data by highlighting that a $706,000 property would pay $2,855 in municipal tax, arguing this presentation fails to provide the complete picture of tax burdens facing homeowners.
Healthcare Access Barriers for Vulnerable Populations
Another pressing concern involves Alberta Health's decision to remove COVID-19 vaccinations from adaptive clinics designed specifically for individuals with complex needs. These clinics previously provided safe vaccination environments for non-verbal autistic individuals and those with significant behavioral challenges.
Families now face serious health-access barriers as vulnerable individuals must travel to different locations for COVID vaccines despite continuing to receive flu vaccinations at adaptive clinics. This change increases distress and safety risks for Alberta's most vulnerable residents and may lead to lower vaccination rates among high-risk populations.
Australian Coal Mining Controversy Continues
Albertans have been actively voicing concerns about provincial government priorities regarding Australian coal mining companies. Residents from Nanton, Claresholm, and Fort Macleod have joined farmers, ranchers, and other concerned citizens in protesting what they perceive as the government placing foreign mining interests ahead of local water security.
The irony is highlighted by Australia's own progressive energy policies, including their new Solar Sharer program that provides free electricity during peak solar generation hours. With over four million installations nationwide, Australia now has more rooftop solar capacity than its remaining coal-fired power stations combined.
Critics suggest Alberta should emulate Australia's renewable energy approach while reconsidering the approval of coal mining projects that threaten provincial water resources.
