**Alberta Government Offers Support Amid Potential Teacher Strike** The Alberta government plans to provide financial assistance and educational resources to families if teachers strike on October 6. Finance Minister Nate Horner announced that parents and guardians of children aged 12 and younger in public, Catholic, and francophone schools can apply for $150 per week during the strike. The first payments are scheduled for October 31. The announcement follows the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) revealing that 89.5% of its voting members rejected a four-year contract offer, paving the way for a potential provincewide strike that could impact 700,000 students. The ATA reported a voter turnout of 94%. Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the government's commitment to support families during this uncertain time. "We will not leave you alone in uncertainty," she stated. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides also introduced a toolkit for parents to assist with at-home learning if classes are canceled. This online resource will cover core subjects such as math, language arts, science, and social studies, featuring videos, worksheets, and practice questions. Horner expressed confusion over the rejection of two proposed contracts, stating, "I believe it is harmful for the union to strike without clearly understanding and presenting what their members are looking for." In addition to financial support, the government plans to hire 1,500 new educational assistants by 2028. This initiative was part of the rejected contract, which teachers deemed insufficient to address issues like low pay and increasing class sizes. ATA President Jason Schilling noted that the union had proposed class size caps and pupil-teacher ratios, but these suggestions were dismissed by employer representatives. Smith clarified that the government will not consider capping class sizes due to space limitations in Alberta schools. "We want to maintain maximum flexibility for school boards to be able to hire the complement of staff that they need," she said. The government has also committed to investing $100 million annually over three years to address classroom complexity, which includes hiring additional educational assistants and funding assessments for students with special needs. As the situation develops, the Alberta government is preparing to assist families and ensure that students continue to receive educational support during any potential disruptions.