Alberta uses notwithstanding clause to end teachers' strike

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It's been hard to focus on much else the last few days. After three weeks of cancelled classes, the Alberta teachers' strike ended abruptly early Tuesday when the government invoked the notwithstanding clause to force teachers back to work and impose a contract. Teachers are back in classrooms, but the core issues that drove them to strike remain unresolved. The Alberta Teachers' Association is vowing a legal challenge, while labour groups warn this sets a dangerous precedent. Whether you supported the strike or wanted kids back in school, one thing is clear: this isn't over.

👀 In today's edition:

• New mayor faces questions about voter mandate

• Economic impacts emerge from provincial labour dispute

• Animal welfare organizations struggle with capacity issues

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Alberta uses notwithstanding clause to end teachers' strike, sparking legal challenge

Alberta became the first province to use the notwithstanding clause to end a labour dispute, rushing Bill 2 through the legislature early Tuesday to send 51,000 teachers back to work. The Back to School Act prevents teachers from bargaining or striking until September 2028 and blocks courts from overturning the law, CBC News reported. The government justified the move by saying it needed to prevent potential strikes at 61 individual school boards, though critics say the action undermines fundamental labour rights.

The Alberta Teachers' Association immediately vowed legal action. "Teachers will comply with the law, but make no mistake, compliance is not consent," said ATA president Jason Schilling. Amnesty International Canada and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association both condemned the decision, warning it creates a troubling template for other governments to follow.

The imposed contract includes three per cent annual raises and promises to hire 3,000 teachers and 1,500 educational assistants, but leaves the central strike issue—overcrowded classrooms—unresolved. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides pledged an additional $100 million per year and a new task force to examine class sizes, though NDP education critic Amanda Chapman told CBC News the measures are inadequate for Alberta's 750,000 students.

Need to know

🎃 A beloved Halloween block party in northwest Calgary's Panorama Hills has been cancelled after 11 years, with organizer Dustin Milne citing safety concerns, theft, and complaints about the free event that drew 10,000 people last year.

🐾 Calgary animal welfare organizations are reaching capacity as the housing crisis forces pet owners to choose between keeping their animals and finding affordable accommodation, with Parachutes for Pets reporting 150 animals on its waitlist.

💼 Alberta businesses say the teachers' strike hit the economy hard through lost productivity and reduced sales, particularly for restaurants near schools, with concerns remaining about potential broader labour action following the province's use of the notwithstanding clause.

⚖️ Drumheller RCMP laid additional charges against 59-year-old businessman Bernard Germain after three more victims came forward alleging sexual assault while they were employed by him, bringing his total charges to seven counts including sexual exploitation.

🗳️ Jeromy Farkas won Calgary's mayoral race with support from roughly 10 per cent of eligible voters due to low turnout, prompting questions about his mandate though political experts say the win remains legitimate and emphasize the importance of outreach to those who didn't support him.

🏠 Some Alberta ranchers are converting old grain bins into guest accommodations as an agritourism venture to diversify income and make farm life more appealing to the next generation amid concerns about succession planning and declining farmer numbers.

🦢 Calgary Zoo veterinarians saved a sandhill crane named Memphis using an experimental equine botulism anti-toxin after the bird contracted avian botulism from a nearby lake outbreak, creating a groundbreaking treatment protocol that will be shared with other wildlife institutions.

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Jasper's Wafflato brings mountain breakfast tradition to Calgary's Design District

A beloved Jasper breakfast spot is opening its first Calgary location next month, bringing its signature handcrafted waffles and mountain hospitality to the city's Design District. Wafflato Café & Lounge will take over the former Donna Mac space at 10th Avenue and 9th Street SW on November 9th, marking the brand's first expansion beyond its hometown roots with an all-day menu that extends into evening hours for the first time.

The café became a local institution in Jasper for its creative waffle toppings and cozy atmosphere, but it also became something more after last year's devastating wildfire. While the town rebuilt, Wafflato kept serving its community, turning into what founders Pravila and Suhas Sawant call a symbol of resilience and connection. "Our Jasper café became known for serving up good food and good energy—and after the challenges our hometown faced, it's been meaningful to grow into a new space that reflects both where we've come from and where we're headed," they said.

The Calgary location expands on the original breakfast concept with an all-day menu running from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., featuring waffles, brunch classics, and new savoury dinner options. The café has partnered with Fratello Coffee Roasters for its coffee program and will offer beer, wine, and cocktails—a first for the brand. The grand opening will celebrate the first 50 guests through the door with free signature waffles, bringing a taste of the mountains to Calgary's creative core.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Bagel Daze: Grab Calgary-style bagels made the traditional way—hand-rolled, boiled, and baked after a 24-hour cold fermentation process—from this Huntington Hills home bakery at various locations around the city.

🍴 Doughlicious: Visit this family-owned Mediterranean food market in northeast Calgary for authentic manaish, fresh pita, meat pies, and specialty doughnut holes in flavours like Dubai chocolate and Biscoff cookie, plus catering services for events.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ The 3 Moosketeers at Loose Moose Theatre: Catch this family-friendly theatrical production running Saturdays at 1 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. from November 1-23 at Calgary's internationally renowned improv theatre, perfect for children ages 4-10 and their parents.

🎟️ Día de Muertos Celebration: Join the Mexican Consulate's Day of the Dead festival at the Mamdani Opera Centre on November 2nd from noon onwards, featuring colorful altars honoring loved ones, traditional music, authentic Mexican food, and family activities celebrating this vibrant cultural tradition.

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