A Leger poll shows half of Albertans oppose the province’s use of the notwithstanding clause to end the teachers’ strike and impose a contract.
Public Divided Over Government’s Approach
A new Leger poll suggests that half of Alberta adults disagree with the province’s decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause to impose a contract on public school teachers and end their provincewide strike. The poll of 1,002 Alberta residents was conducted online between Oct. 31 and Nov. 2, days after the Alberta government passed the Back to School Act to force an end to the labour dispute.
How the Dispute Escalated
The province invoked the notwithstanding clause after members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) went on strike on Oct. 6 over stalled contract negotiations. On Oct. 27, the government introduced and passed legislation within a single sitting day to order 51,000 public, Catholic, and francophone teachers back to work. By invoking the clause, the government shielded its legislation from Charter-related legal challenges. The ATA launched a legal challenge soon after the act was passed.
What the Poll Reveals About Public Opinion
The survey found 50 per cent of respondents said the use of the notwithstanding clause was inappropriate, while 33 per cent found it appropriate. Another 10 per cent were neutral, and seven per cent were unsure. When asked about the back-to-work legislation itself, 47 per cent opposed the move while 39 per cent supported it. Support was higher among respondents with school-aged children. The poll also found that 42 per cent believed the teachers’ association handled the dispute better, compared to 25 per cent who said the provincial government did.
Impact on Government Perception
About half of respondents reported that the government’s handling of the dispute negatively affected their perception of the United Conservative government, while 16 per cent said it improved their view. Political observers say the government likely anticipated a polarized response, framing its decision as necessary to return students to classrooms amid prolonged disruption.
Education Priorities Identified by the Public
When asked what should be prioritized to improve education in Alberta, 47 per cent of respondents selected reducing class sizes as their top concern—more than triple the preference for any other option. The government has since announced plans to restore classroom size and complexity data collection, establish a cabinet committee to address learning conditions, and fund 3,000 additional teaching positions and 1,500 educational assistants by 2028.
Labour Action May Continue
The poll also indicates 51 per cent of respondents would support a general strike in response to the government invoking the notwithstanding clause, while 31 per cent said they would oppose such action. Labour leaders say unions are currently discussing possible coordinated responses, though a general strike would be illegal under Alberta labour law. The Leger report suggests that broader labour unrest may continue, with six in 10 respondents expecting more protests or strikes in the months ahead.
