The Lethbridge School Division and Holy Catholic School Division have weighed in on the potential teachers' strike. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge’s school divisions hope for new deal to avert strike

Sep 11, 2025 | 8:59 AM

Both of Lethbridge’s public school boards are hoping that there will be no disruptions to classes next month.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) said on Wednesday, Sept. 10, that its 51,000 educators will go on strike on October 6 if it cannot reach a new collective agreement with the Alberta Government before then.

Dr. Carmen Mombourquette, board chair of the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division, says they respect the rights of teachers and workers to engage in collective bargaining.

However, he does not want to see learning brought to a halt because of the potential job action.

“We are hopeful that a resolution will be reached before October 6 to avoid any labour action. We are grateful for the commitment of our teachers and administrators, and we remain focused on providing our students with a positive and engaging learning environment,” says Mombourquette.

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A spokesperson for the Lethbridge School Division echoed those sentiments.

“We understand that both parties will continue to negotiate during this time, and we remain hopeful an agreement will be reached. Currently, there is no change to school operations. All schools remain open and continue to serve students,” the Lethbridge School Division said.

ATA President Jason Schilling, who was formerly a teacher at Kate Andrews High School in Coaldale, says its members are losing patience and that the government must solve the labour dispute if it does not want a province-wide strike.

“What teachers want is simple: classrooms that are properly funded and wages that reflect their value to Alberta’s future,” said Schilling on Wednesday. “For the government to state that teachers would sacrifice their students’ learning conditions for salary is insulting. Teachers should not have to choose one or the other.”

Finance Minister Nate Horner, on the other hand, believes that their latest contract offer addresses many of the concerns that teachers have, including classroom and working conditions, as well as wages.

“Alberta’s government is committed to finding a fair settlement that ensures as many resources as possible are directed to essential classroom supports,” Horner stated.

The province and the ATA have returned to the bargaining table, but it is unclear at this time if a collective agreement will be reached in time to avert the potential strike.

Learn more about the ongoing labour dispute in the article below:

READ MORE: Possible Alberta teachers strike to start October 6