New Alberta law would eliminate politics and ideology from classrooms, government says

Alberta’s government is taking aim at what it calls “political and ideological influence” in classrooms with new laws proposed Tuesday.

Bill 25 would reinforce expectations for neutrality and respect for diverse student populations, according to the province, although it is unclear what specific measures are being taken or what repercussions there could be for those who break the rules.

Employees would also be protected from not participating in activities that conflict with their personal beliefs, except where required under approved curriculum.

“These changes strengthen accountability, reinforce neutrality and respect, and make it clear that politics and ideology have no place in Alberta classrooms,” said Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides. “Our focus is simple: student safety, academic excellence, and preparing young Albertans for success.”

Increased accountability for school boards

The new legislation would prevent school boards from taking positions on political, social, and ideological matters that aren’t relevant to their role, including issuing statements.

The proposed legislation wouldn’t create new penalties for teachers, and any infractions or complaints would be handled through the existing disciplinary process.

Opposition NDP education critic Amanda Chapman said she thinks the UCP government is legislating an issue that doesn’t exist.

“I don’t believe that this is some sort of persistent problem in our education system,” she said. “It just comes down to a government, again, that really has all the wrong priorities.”

An accompanying ministerial order from Nicolaides would create principles for school board trustee codes of conduct, including protections for freedom of speech and expectations for responsible governance, according to the province.

If a sitting trustee wants to seek a nomination in a federal election or a by-election, they’d be required to take unpaid leave of absence under the new law to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Provincial exams going digital

Diploma exams and provincial achievement exams will move to an online format under Bill 25.

The government says this is a way to save taxpayer money and make exam delivery more efficient.

It is unclear when this change would take effect.

January 2026 diplomas were cancelled due to the fall teachers’ strike. Students still have the option to take the tests in April and June.

Provincial achievement tests are administered annually to all Alberta students in grades 6 and 9. The standardized tests scheduled for January were also cancelled this year because of the strike. Dates in May and June are outstanding.

Other changes incoming

Tuesday’s legislation also addressed various other subjects.

Schools will be required to play the Canadian National Anthem at least once a week.

In the same realm, schools and classrooms will be allowed to display only the Alberta and Canadian flags. However, special exemptions can be made for the display of flags that “reflect Alberta’s heritage and history.”

The government will remove minister approval requirements for external parties using resources that address gender identity, sexual orientation, or human sexuality.

Alberta Teachers’ Association president Jason Schilling called the proposed changes a “grab bag” that would affect teachers positively but also negatively.

“We need to look beyond the clickbait title of this bill to understand its full scope — it has very little to do with politics and ideology, at least in the classroom,” Schilling said in a statement.

Other changes include new rules for superintendent contracts, clear criteria for issuing charter school applications, and a requirement that schools involve parents in student learning in non-instructional activities. The government will also be able to direct the transfer of underused school properties and require school boards to provide support for children with learning gaps in reading and math.

With files from The Canadian Press