Teachers association says ministerial order on in-person learning requirements is ‘unjustifiable’

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 29, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

As CUPE members working in education support roles with the Edmonton Public School Board continue to walk the picket lines, the province’s teachers association is calling out recent ministerial orders that exempt requirements from in-person learning regulations for select students.

Jason Schilling, president of Alberta Teachers Association, says the province’s education funding led to the strike by CUPE workers and is “encroaching” on the education of students with complex learning needs.

“Denying vulnerable students with complex learning needs access to in-person instruction is unjustifiable,” says Schilling in a press release. “The government needs to stop the excuses and properly fund education so every student is supported and can attend school.”

In total, CUPE represents more than 3,000 educational support staff within the Edmonton Public School Board, as well as more than 200 with Sturgeon Public School Division.

On Jan. 9 CUPE local 3550 president Mandy Lamoureuz said the strike action is part of the union’s plans to escalate job action until the UCP addresses low wages in the sector.

According to Lamoureux, the average educational support worker earns $34,500 annually.

On Jan. 11 the province passed a ministerial order to exempt the board of trustees of Fort McMurray School Division as well as the board of trustees of the Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Separate School Division from the requirements.

The following day on Jan. 12 a ministerial order passed to exempt the board of trustees of Edmonton School Division from requirements. And on Jan. 20 the Sturgeon Public School Division presented a similar ministerial order exempting in-person learning requirements.

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