December 8, 2025
RED FM News Desk
Debate over education funding in Alberta is intensifying, fueled by a growing push to end provincial support for independent and private schools.
A citizen initiative petition — approved by Elections Alberta and launched by Calgary teacher Alicia Taylor — asks: “Should the Government of Alberta end its current practice of allocating public funds to accredited independent (private) schools?”
Taylor, representing the group Alberta Funds Public Schools, says public schools are struggling with inadequate funding and should be prioritized. “Our public schools are not being adequately funded and unless they are properly funded, I don’t think our government should be supporting private education,” she said.
Statistics Canada data shows Alberta ranks near the bottom nationally in education funding — a pattern that has persisted for several years. This year’s K–12 education budget totals $9.9 billion, with about five per cent allocated to independent schools.
Wing Li with Support Our Students Alberta said in a statement to CityNews that the petition reflects growing public concern. “While our public schools are deliberately underfunded and understaffed, exclusive private schools that can charge tuition and choose their admissions are enjoying an outsized and unnecessary portion of public resources,” she said. “Public funds belong to public schools which serve all students in Alberta communities.”
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