UCP leadership candidates get an earful from Alberta Teachers' Association at Banff event
Wednesday, Alberta teachers had their say on the future of provincial education and they let the candidates hoping to become the next UCP leader know how they felt.
They grilled leadership candidates on their plans for education.
The candidates had some hits and misses, and by the end, skeptical teachers said it is actions that will rebuild trust that's been lost between them and the United Conservatives.
That much was acknowledged by UCP leadership hopeful Todd Loewen, who said, "It sounds like maybe an understatement.
"The last time there was any real communication was February 2021," he added, "and that's too long."
From the widely-reviled K to six curriculum rewrite to pension fund changes, the list of grievances is long.
Alberta Teacher Association president Jason Schilling said the UCP has "failed students and failed teachers" Wednesday
"They’ve failed public education," said Alberta Teachers Association president Jason Schilling. "They've failed students, they've failed teachers and they've failed the school communities.
"Teachers have not been consulted on curriculum. They've not been consulted on the pension deal that happened in 2019."
Along with promises of improved consultation and respect, there was also an acknowledgement from various candidates that school boards need more stable funding models.
"Funding must be relative to population growth, inflation (and) guided by enrollment," said Leela Aheer.
Brian Jean suggested "ideology" needed to be removed from the classroom, while also acknowledging problems with the new curriculum rollout.
"We can slow this down," Jean said, "and in September we can have a better curriculum and we have to re-evaluate it at this time, but folks the ATA should not be the enemy of the Government of Alberta."
By a show of hands, the crowd came mostly from school boards in traditionally conservative rural ridings, but nevertheless, at times hard feelings in the crowd rose to the surface.
Danielle Smith was heckled by the audience while attempting to criticize the province's math curriculum.
"Respect is a two way street guys," Smith said.
"That's what we've been asking for," said an audience member.
Smith and Jean are the front-runners in the race, with Travis Toews, who missed the event due to a scheduling conflict, also drawing significant support.
It's difficult to say how badly any of the candidates need teacher support to win.
"So the Conservatives sit back and go, well, we really don't need to worry about them (teachers)," said MRU political scientist Keith Brownsey.
"They (the teachers) may not like curriculum," he added, "but this is what our (political) base wants."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.