Students walk out over teacher strike as January exams cancelled

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Last week, we asked how you felt about the government using the notwithstanding clause to end the teachers' strike. The responses were clear: most of you saw it as a troubling overreach of power and wished negotiations had succeeded instead. One reader summed it up simply—"nobody wins in a strike." Others pointed to inadequate education funding and questioned whether the government negotiated in good faith. This week, we're covering how students responded to the strike's resolution, along with the latest news from around Calgary.

👀 In today's edition:

• Firefighters raise safety concerns over new housing trend

• New council tackles budget crunch and public trust issues

• Remembering Alberta's fallen soldiers

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Students walk out over teacher strike as January exams cancelled

Despite being back in school for less than a day, hundreds of Calgary students walked out of class Thursday at 11 a.m. to protest the Alberta government's handling of the teachers' strike. The coordinated walkout was organized largely through Instagram accounts like ab.students.for.teachers, which instructed students to leave class respectfully and protest peacefully. Students from Centennial, Western Canada, St. Mary's and other high schools joined peers at City Hall, carrying signs and calling for better support for education.

Hunter Hedeman, a student at Centennial High School, told Livewire Calgary the walkout proved students are just as frustrated with the government's approach as teachers are. Grade 12 student Halle Urquhart from James Fowler High School said the provincial government "can't just cherry-pick what our charter of rights and freedoms is." Another student, Julianna Marques, pointed out that teachers volunteer countless hours outside the classroom and deserve recognition, not to have their voices silenced.

The Alberta government cancelled all January 2026 diploma exams and Grade 9 Provincial Achievement Tests to allow students and teachers to concentrate on learning after lost instructional time due to the strike. The cancellation won't affect students' ability to apply to or attend post-secondary institutions. Students who choose not to write at a later date will receive their school-awarded mark as their final course mark, with a notation added to transcripts confirming no diploma exam was written.

For some students, returning to school Wednesday felt off. The atmosphere was described as uncomfortable, with teachers appearing worn down and students uncertain about what to expect. Diya Kunisetty, a Grade 11 student at Henry Wise Wood, created an Instagram account to give students an anonymous outlet for their feelings about the strike—it's already received over 90,000 views and submissions from students aged 6 to 18 across Alberta, according to Livewire Calgary.

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Need to know

🏢 Calgary firefighters are pushing back against single-stairwell apartment buildings, warning the trend could put residents at risk during emergencies, even as supporters argue the design makes housing construction faster and more affordable.

🕯️ Calgarians gathered at the Field of Crosses for the first of 20 sunrise and sunset ceremonies honouring 3,700 fallen Alberta soldiers, with daily tributes continuing until Remembrance Day on November 11th.

💉 Private COVID-19 vaccine supplies are running short at Calgary pharmacies after Pfizer limited orders due to unexpected demand, leaving frustrated Albertans on waitlists while many struggle to navigate the province's confusing public booking system.

💔 A 69-year-old man died Thursday after being struck by a reversing semi-truck while preparing a loading dock ramp at a Calgary warehouse, with police and occupational safety officials now investigating.

📮 Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides sent glossy postcards highlighting his accomplishments to Calgary-Bow constituents as a recall petition demanding his resignation over the teachers' labour dispute continues gathering signatures.

🗣️ New Calgary councillors are pledging to rebuild public trust through earlier community consultation on major projects, as the city implements stricter deadlines requiring public submissions eight days before hearings instead of seven.

⚽ Cavalry FC secured their spot in the Canadian Premier League final with a 1-0 victory over Forge FC, and will face Atletico Ottawa on November 9th to defend their championship title.

💰 Calgary's incoming council has just weeks to review the 2026 budget before November 24th deliberations, with Mayor Farkas promising "sharpened pencils" despite warnings the proposed 3.6 per cent tax hike is already mostly set.

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New Calgary restaurant Phillys brings hot dogs and cheesesteaks to the northeast

Calgary's quick-service restaurant scene is getting a homegrown shake-up with the launch of Phillys, a concept serving hot dogs, Philly cheesesteaks, and rice bowls inspired by North American street food culture. The first location opened at 5475 Falsbridge Drive NE, with an official grand opening planned for November 8th. The brand already has franchising underway with a second location confirmed in Airdrie.

The menu features premium hot dogs with international toppings, customizable rice bowls, and grinder sandwiches. Operations lead Julian Carreto says the approach focuses on delivering quality food quickly, targeting everyone from lunch-break crowds to families looking for a casual meal.

Franchise owner Harpreet Dhaliwal says Phillys aims to fill a gap in the market for food that's both fast and flavourful. The brand's compact footprint and streamlined menu are designed to appeal to potential franchisees. Phillys is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Rain Dog Bar: This upstairs Inglewood craft beer bar pairs carefully selected brews with a seasonally changing menu inspired by ingredients from beer-making regions, creating an unpretentious space where beer gets the same respect as fine wine.

🍴 Deane House: This historic Calgary restaurant grows its own herbs and greens on-site while championing local, sustainable dining with 100% green energy, Ocean Wise seafood, and a commitment to reducing waste by over 30%.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Wool & Warmth: Knitters, crocheters and crafters can gather at The Confluence on November 5th for an evening of handicrafts and conversation, with tickets including light refreshments and cultural centre admission for $12.

🎟️ Jingle & Mingle: This festive community gathering features the unveiling of Christmas décor, holiday workshops, bingo, local vendors, live music and photos with Santa, with entry by donation to the Airdrie Food Bank.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

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