Calgary teachers prepare for rally, support each other amid ongoing strike

As the Alberta teachers’ strike stretches into its third week, Calgary educators are demonstrating solidarity by making signs for a rally this week, while also helping colleagues with groceries and essentials.

At the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) headquarters in Calgary, teachers and their families gathered to create signs for Thursday’s rally outside the legislature in Edmonton.

The event, dubbed the “Fight for Public Education,” aims to spotlight concerns over classroom conditions and funding shortfalls as MLAs get set to return to the legislature for the fall sitting.

Children joined in the preparations, crafting messages that reflect the frustrations felt by many in the education sector.

Sienna Van Dooren’s sign called for increased funding and smaller class sizes, while her sister Scarlet voiced support for their parents. Slate Codette’s placard read, “Cap class sizes, we are not sardines.”

Some signs were directed squarely at Premier Danielle Smith.

“She has the time and the effort to put money into getting new license plates,” said teacher Michael Peace, “but she doesn’t have the money to defend public education. So where are her priorities at?”

Gurmit Bhachu, Chair of the Member Engagement Committee for Calgary Public Teachers, emphasized the importance of community-building during the strike.

“We’ve been doing walks, we’ve been doing craft making, blood drives,” Bhachu said. “This was one of the things we thought we could do to help members be prepared for Thursday.”

Beyond protest preparations, teachers are also stepping up to support colleagues facing financial strain. In northeast Calgary, a teacher’s support booth was set up with help from Guru Nanak Free Kitchen, offering groceries and essentials to educators in need.

“In the first 30 minutes, we had more than 50 teachers come up,” said volunteer Anju Sareen. “Our food was almost gone.”

“This is very helpful that the community is coming together to support teachers who need maybe a little extra help right now, during this time,” said teacher Monica Zaro.

Premier Danielle Smith has indicated that if the strike continues, her government may introduce back-to-work legislation when the legislature reconvenes on Oct. 27.