Teachers challenge Alberta law using notwithstanding clause to end strike

EDMONTON — Alberta teachers say they are taking Premier Danielle Smith’s government to court for overriding their Charter rights to end their strike while some members of her caucus say public outrage toward them is escalating.

Jason Schilling, head of the Alberta Teachers' Association, announced Thursday the union has filed an application asking for a judge to immediately pause the law in full or in part until a full constitutional challenge is heard.

The case is scheduled to be heard Nov. 20 in Edmonton Court of King's Bench.

"In this action, teachers will ask the court to declare that the government's use of the notwithstanding clause was improper and invalid," Schilling told reporters.

He said the law violates teachers' rights to freedom of association and expression, and, if left