PSAC Prairies stands in opposition and resoundingly rejects the use of the notwithstanding clause.
The Alberta government’s recent move to invoke the clause and steamroll the rights of teachers is not just wrong – it is undemocratic and sets a dangerous precedent in this province. We are urging our members and the public not to sit by as this government demonstrates it has no issue suspending the rights of Albertans. We strongly encourage you to join the Alberta Federation of Labour’s Ready to Resist campaign. Learn more and sign up for updates through the AFL website. Additionally, reach out to your local MLA and let them know this is unacceptable and as a constituent you do not support it. We are currently exploring all our available options to push back, including but not limited to, escalating direct actions and will be providing regular updates to members for ways to get involved.
‘Make no mistake, the use of the notwithstanding clause on teachers is the canary in the coal mine when it comes to the draconian and undemocratic moves of a government intent on trampling the democratic process and the rights of its citizens,’ said Marianne Hladun, Regional Executive Vice-President, Prairies.
On October 27, Bill 2, the Back to School Act, was tabled and rammed through the legislature. Any attempts to meaningfully debate the bill were blocked. Any chance for public input was denied. Instead the government used their majority to push it through, to achieve its own ends, at the expense of the citizens of Alberta.
‘This is no longer just a fight for public education, this is a fight against a government determined to silence Albertans and strip away their rights. How much more will we allow before we say enough?’ continued Hladun.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada represents close to 240,000 workers in every province and territory in Canada, including over 29,000 in the Prairies.