Teachers’ union seeks meeting with minister

The union representing Alberta teachers is demanding a meeting with Education Minister Adriana Lagrange over returning to school safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) president Jason Schilling is calling for an immediate meeting with Lagrange to discuss what the ATA calls “serious problems with the government’s deficient plan” for returning to school during the pandemic. The demand for a meeting comes after representatives at this week’s annual assembly passed resolutions to urge the province to take more action on school re-entry plans, including reduced class sizes, increased support staff, mental health supports and placement of public health nurses in schools.

“Teachers are worried. And they do not have confidence in the minister or her plans to reopen schools,” Schilling said in a Saturday release. “They made it clear they expect the minister to be talking with the ATA and listening genuinely to the concerns of teachers.”

But in an emailed statement, acting Alberta Education press secretary Kassandra Kitz said Lagrange spoke with Schilling Saturday morning and the pair plan to meet on Wednesday.

“Our comprehensive school re-entry plan was developed based on the advice of Alberta’s chief medical officer of health in consultation with the entire education system, including the Alberta Teachers’ Association, individual school authorities, the College of Alberta School Superintendents and the Alberta School Boards Association,” Kitz said.

“Our number one priority is to ensure a safe and successful return to school for both our staff and students ...”