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The Community
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TEXT ‘ABFIRES’ to 45678 to donate $10 to Red Cross for Jasper wildfire relie Volume 118 Issue 12
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Wheat Kings host home opener INSIDE!
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 s
Horseback Librarian
Lindsey Damberger, Hughenden Library Manager, along with board Chairperson, Liz Hissett, delivered books on horseback this past Sept. 11.Left: Damberger with her horses Denni and Chunky were a big hit with local students. Read more inside!
Resounding ‘No’ from teachers - strike expected Monday Province introduces new financial support program for parents of families affected by strike Leslie Cholowsky Editor Alberta Teachers voted definitively to reject the Province’s latest offer, as 89.5 per cent of those who registered a vote rejected a memorandum of agreement with the Province. Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) President Jason Schilling called the decision “resounding and historical.” The ATA says that a teacher strike, “is a legal job action taken when bargaining breaks down. “It is used to advocate for better working conditions and learning environments as well as fair pay.” Teachers previously served strike notice for Monday, Oct. 6. Battle River School Division will provide updates about any changes to school operations, programming, or in-
structional services as that information becomes available over the next few days. Parents should look out for school newsletters, emails, or information on school apps as to what to expect. The Battle River School Division (BRSD) said Friday, Sept. 26, that should the agreement be voted down and a strike begin: “All classes will be cancelled for students both in person and online. Homework will not be assigned or reviewed by teachers. “There will be no teaching, supervision, or extracurricular programming. “We understand this situation creates uncertainty for families. Please begin making arrangements for childcare or alternate plans for your daily routines in case of a strike. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information be-
ing 12 per cent increase over four years comes available.” Schilling said Monday night, “The and increases that could amount to as proposed agreement failed to meet the much as a 17 per cent pay increase for needs of teachers, failed to improve as many as 95 per cent of all teachers. student classroom conditions in a con- On Tuesday morning, Horner added, crete and meaningful way, and failed to “These adjustments would have reshow teachers the respect they de- sulted in greater salary increases for newer teachers to help address recruitserve.” He added, “The undeniable truth is ment and retention issues. “Increases in northern incentives and that Alberta spends the least per student on public education than any substitute teacher pay would also have other province in Canada. Teachers and been secured through the new deal. Alstudents feel this every single day. Par- berta teachers would have been receivents and the public are witness to the ing the highest pay in western Canada fact that this government has chosen to after taxes.” Horner had said earlier in August devalue the education of its youth.” Late in August, Alberta Finance Min- that the Province is looking at Ontario West, adding, “WeAug. don’t ister Nate Horner said, “The way Wewewilland reopen Tuesday, 6 want at relook at all public sector bargaining is cruitment challenges, we want all of 9 a.m. and our next edition that we want to be at market.” He went our occupations to be paid the going will have still berate, published Wedneday. Aug. 7 and on to say that the Province doesn’t Adexistdeadlines will be noon Tuesday, Continued on Page 7Aug. 6 the data to lift the offer over the
The Community Press office will be CLOSED Monday, August 5 for the Civic Holiday.