More than 200 Calgarians gathered at city hall on Saturday morning to protest the United Conservative Party (UCP) government. The demonstration was organized quickly, reflecting growing discontent with the province's recent actions, particularly the use of the notwithstanding clause to end a teacher strike. Dr. Victoria Bucholtz, a transgender rights activist and co-founder of Queer Citizens United, spoke at the rally. "Because the government has done so many things that we disagree with, it has become broader than that," she said. The protest was organized by the Alberta Civic Integrity Project, although its members were not present. Bucholtz, along with Rory Gill, former Alberta CUPE president, Henry Wakoluk, a private citizen, and Jennifer Yeremiy, who is leading efforts to recall Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, hosted the event. Gurinder Brar, the NDP MLA for Calgary-North East, also attended and addressed the crowd. Bucholtz emphasized the significance of the notwithstanding clause, stating, "We anticipate that’s being used against the trans community with Bill 9; it’s already been brought in against the teachers. What it shows is that, really, anyone’s rights are up for negotiation." The speakers highlighted the need for solidarity against what they described as authoritarian government policies. Craig Coolahan, a labour relations officer for the SAIT academic faculty association, remarked, "It’s a wake-up call for Danielle Smith and the UCP that we’re organizing. We’re unhappy." Gill expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of dialogue with Premier Smith, stating, "I don’t think anything will get through to her, debate or persuasion. I think it will need to be recalling her MLAs and weakening her position in the legislature." Despite this, he noted that protests serve an important purpose. "The government has to know that what they’re doing isn’t just going to slide," he said. He believes that as more people engage in discussions, the movement will grow. Bucholtz added that local advocacy groups are beginning to connect. "What we’re seeing is a lot more solidarity built among these movements of people," she said. "By the time we hit the next election, this could be a powerful movement across the province." Coolahan mentioned that after the government passed legislation using the notwithstanding clause to mandate teachers' return to work, he received numerous emails from university staff seeking guidance on how to respond. Calgary teacher Melissa Craig shared her personal connection to the protest. "I’ve cried every day since we had to go back because I feel like I was defeated," she said. "I had to continue coming out here, being a part of this energy and this movement, with so many people who have united for this amazing thing and brought together under the same energy of making change." The protest reflects a growing movement among Calgarians who are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the UCP government and its policies.