What’s next after Alberta orders teachers back using notwithstanding clause?

In a move to end the largest teachers’ strike in Alberta’s history, Premier Danielle Smith’s government introduced legislation Monday invoking the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to mandate the return of 51,000 educators to classrooms across the province.

The unprecedented walkout, which began in early October, saw tens of thousands of teachers walk out over unresolved issues, including class sizes, compensation, and working conditions. If the bill passes, students will be back in classes on Wednesday.

While the government’s bill effectively halts the strike, legal experts say it does little to resolve the underlying tensions—and may ignite a new phase of labour unrest.

Employment lawyer Puneet Tiwari of Levitt LLP says the use of the notwithstanding clause strips teachers of their abi