Protestors gathered at City Hall on Sunday for a ‘Save Alberta’s Education’ rally. Those in attendance are calling for changes to the province’s revised book ban and transgender laws. The laws restrict gender-affirming health care for youth under 16, require parental consent or notification when students change names or pronouns in school, and prohibit trans girls and women from competing in female amateur sports. “It is not fair what this government is doing to trans kids and to teachers through those anti-trans rules that have been put in place. We’re forcing teachers to out kids,” said Calgary-Foothills MLA Court Ellingson. The premier has said her government is prepared to defend its law in court, and she’s willing to use the Notwithstanding Clause to override Charter Rights. “We recognize that we have 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff in our schools who deserve to be their true authentic selves at school. We’re concerned that this clause would prohibit that and make schools not the safe spaces they should be for them,’ said Alberta Teachers’ Association President Jason Shilling. Some protestors were also demanding more funding for students and teachers. Alberta teachers have until 5 p.m. on Monday to vote on a tentative deal with the province. It includes a 12 per cent salary increase over four-years and COVID-19 vaccines. The government has also promised to hire 3,000 more teachers over three years. If teachers vote against the deal, they will strike on October 6. The Alberta finance minister’s office would not say anything else about the negotiations. “Out of respect for the bargaining process and the mutually agreed upon embargo agreement with the ATA, our government has nothing further to comment at this time. We will await the ratification by teachers in the coming days,” said Marisa Breeze, senior press secretary for Minister Nate Horner.
