Teachers and government fail to reach agreement as school starts

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Good morning !

School's back in session across Calgary, but the biggest classroom story isn't about new backpacks or fresh notebooks—it's about whether teachers and the government can find common ground before labour tensions escalate further.

👀 In today's edition:

• Feds choose Calgary for major projects office

• Black bear cub captured in Calgary neighbourhood

• Alberta athletes bring home 81 medals from Canada Summer Games

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WORTH KNOWING

💨Today: High 25C, Low 11C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

⚠️ Here’s the current smoke forecast / check Calgary wildfire and fire restrictions and the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.

QUICK POLL

Teachers and government fail to reach agreement as school starts

Alberta teachers and the provincial government could not agree on a new contract before students returned to school today. The two sides held talks last week but couldn't find a solution that worked for everyone. The Alberta Teachers' Association, which represents 51,000 teachers, and government negotiators both said they were disappointed the talks failed. Despite no deal being reached, schools opened as planned today because teachers haven't given the required 72-hour notice needed before going on strike.

The main disagreements centre on teacher pay and classroom conditions. The government offered to hire 1,000 new teachers each year for three years and give teachers a 12 per cent pay raise over four years. However, teachers say this offer doesn't do enough to help with overcrowded classrooms or make up for years of low pay increases. Teachers argue they have only received a 5.75 per cent pay increase over the past decade, while the cost of living has gone up much more. They also say classrooms are more crowded than ever, with more students who need extra help but not enough support staff to assist them.

Both sides are now considering their next steps. The government group that employs teachers has voted to potentially lock teachers out of schools, though this decision still needs official approval. Teachers voted in June to authorize a strike if needed, and they have until October 7th to decide whether to take job action. If teachers do decide to strike, they must give 72 hours advance notice. For now, students have started school on time, but the situation remains uncertain as both sides continue to disagree on what's needed to fix Alberta's education system.

Need to know

🏢 The federal government designated Calgary as the base for its new infrastructure coordination agency, naming a veteran energy executive to lead efforts streamlining major construction approvals.

⚖️ A man from British Columbia faces manslaughter charges after authorities linked him to the December death of a young Calgary woman discovered badly hurt on a city pathway.

🐻 Authorities caught a wandering black bear cub in Calgary's southwest after it roamed through shopping areas and residential streets, then moved the animal to a remote location away from populated areas.

🚗 Following multiple deadly vehicle accidents, including a motorcyclist's death after speeding through a red light, Calgary community members raised questions about road safety measures.

💰 The provincial government revealed modifications to disability assistance that would force existing recipients to undergo new assessments or face enrollment in an alternative program offering reduced financial support.

📱 Alberta's premier unveiled plans to eliminate the province's easily-damaged paper health documents in favour of a mobile phone application for accessing medical coverage information.

🏅 Alberta's athletes earned dozens of medals across various competitions at the national summer sporting event, placing among the top provinces with government financial backing.

⚡ A new energy provider focused on serving LGBTQ+ customers began operations with a business model directing excess earnings toward community support organizations and advocacy groups.

Fall programming brings puzzles and art to Calgary Zoo

As summer winds down and fall routines begin, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is presenting a lineup of September experiences that break from the ordinary. The programming ranges from mystery-solving adventures to striking environmental art, offering visitors chances to explore beyond traditional animal viewing.

Art enthusiasts have until September 14th to witness the Washed Ashore exhibition, where ocean waste has been transformed into captivating animal sculptures that tell the story of marine pollution's impact on wildlife. Families can dive into Alberta's natural world during the Biodiversity Festival from September 12-14, featuring hands-on activities that bring the province's diverse ecosystems to life. The festival wraps up with a special finale event at Bow Habitat Station on September 20th.

Adventure-seekers can test their wits at two distinctive after-hours experiences. Locked Zoo: Diving Deep on September 6th challenges participants to crack ocean-themed puzzles while navigating the darkened zoo grounds, while Wild After Hours: Tapirs on September 20th and 27th offers intimate encounters with these mysterious creatures paired with a four-course dining experience. Those looking to squeeze in visits can take advantage of Happy Hour pricing through September 28th, with 20% off admission for late-afternoon arrivals Thursday through Sunday.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Trolley 5: Enjoy freshly brewed beers made in-house paired with hearty pub fare at this lively 17th Avenue spot that celebrates Calgary's trolley history while creating a welcoming gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

🍴 Cassis Bistro: Indulge in expertly prepared French dishes using seasonal Alberta ingredients at this cozy neighborhood restaurant where skilled chefs bring the flavors and warmth of southern France to Calgary's dining scene.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Spruce Meadows Masters: Experience world-class show jumping competition at this prestigious international tournament featuring Olympic-level equestrian athletes, plus shopping, dining, live entertainment, and family activities on the beautiful Spruce Meadows grounds.

🎟️ River Hall: Gather with friends and neighbors at this free seasonal riverside space by the Bow River where live music, local food vendors, and community programming create spontaneous connections in a welcoming, pet-friendly environment.

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

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