Alberta teachers to challenge Danielle Smith’s government in court over notwithstanding clause

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith used the notwithstanding clause last week to pass a bill ending the teachers' strike.

Alberta teachers say they’re 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 re