With teachers having been legislated back to the classroom and schools now operating as usual, it is important to see the Back to School Act, and its use of the notwithstanding clause, in its broader context and talk about the consequences of its passage on workers, unions, and labour relations in Alberta and Canada. 

The drug-poisoning crisis in Alberta continues unabated, after nearly a decade of record numbers of deaths. Fatalities are the most tragic and visible consequence, but the prevalence of a toxic drug supply also creates ripple effects that impact families, communities, and the health-care workers who seek to mitigate harm, provide care, save lives, and assist the grieving.

The Alberta government has justified its new protocols for distribution of COVID-19 vaccines by claiming they will minimize wastage, save money, and prioritize the most vulnerable. In this blog, Parkland Institute research manager Rebecca Graff-McRae reflects on her personal experiences with trying to access vaccines, and debunks the government's claims.

The language of “parental rights” is being used by vocal conservative groups to push political agendas that threaten the inclusiveness and integrity of Alberta’s public education system. In this article, researcher Heather Ganshorn traces the movement’s ideological roots, documents its growing influence, and highlights its links to the agenda of privatization. See what's at stake in upcoming school board elections and why we should care.

As Albertans prepare for the first teacher strike in nearly 25 years, it is important for parents, educators, and education stakeholders to reflect on where we are and how we got here. In this open letter, parent, teacher, and doctoral candidate Ian Doktor highlights that it is not just about wages, and details the years of disrespect, underfunding, and bad decisions by the Alberta government that are at the heart of the current impasse.

When we as Albertans look back on what the labs rollercoaster has cost us — the hundreds of millions wasted, the generational damage to our health-care workforce, the erosion of trust in the delivery of a vital service — all of it may be dwarfed by the long-term damage being wrought to our health-care system in its name.

Danielle Smith tried — again — to blame AHS for the province’s health care woes. Alas (for her), hard data has a way of catching up with misleading statements. This article show how responsibility for the poor performance, high costs, and potential irregularities in Alberta’s surgical crisis sits squarely with the government.

Education support workers are striking across Alberta. The strikes are causing significant disruption for families, placing strain on teachers, and impacting the education kids receive. It is in everyone’s interest that these disputes get settled so these important workers can get back to their jobs. So why aren’t things getting settled? Ask the UCP government.

The Alberta government’s abrupt dismissal of AIMCo’s board and CEO has sparked worries about political meddling and loss of independence. Stephen Harper’s appointment as chair was another step toward reshaping AIMCo to serve partisan goals over Albertans’ needs. Against this backdrop, understanding AIMCo’s evolution and its politicization becomes more critical than ever.

The way out of oil revenue dependency is clear: increase royalties and replace oil and gas dollars with tax dollars. The numbers add up, and the impact on the long-term well-being, economic stability, and viability of Alberta would be huge. The only thing missing is a government with the courage and political will to make it happen.