Thousands of people, many of whom held flags or picket signs, gathered at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton Sunday morning to rally for public education, as a potentially historic teachers' strike looms.

The Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) and the provincial government have been deadlocked for more than a month as the parties negotiate a new collective agreement. Salaries, growing class sizes and hiring more people to help with classroom complexities are among the major sticking points. The previous contract expired in August 2024.

"Public education is a foundation of a strong democratic society," Heather Quinn, president of ATA Local 37, which represents Edmonton public-school teachers, said during a speech on the Legislature's steps.

"We ask everyone in Alberta to not only speak

See Full Page