Parents express relief — and concern — as Alberta orders teachers back to work

October 28, 2025

RED FM News Desk

The Alberta government has introduced back-to-work legislation, ordering more than 50,000 striking teachers to return to classrooms by Wednesday after invoking the Charter’s notwithstanding clause.

“I’m very relieved,” said parent Christine Jackson. “Kids need the foundational stuff. My elementary school kids need the basics, and trying to do that myself without a background in education—they get confused and frustrated, and so do I.”

Another parent, Anand Karuppiah, shared a similar sentiment. “The children need to go back to school,” he said.

Teachers across Alberta have been on strike since Oct. 6, after negotiations between the United Conservative Party government and the Alberta Teachers’ Association stalled over pay, class sizes, and resource shortages.

But not all parents are celebrating. Kate Cougle told CityNews she remains uneasy about what her children will return to.

“I’m glad school is starting again,” she said, “but I’m worried about the environment they’re walking back into.”