Alberta uses the notwithstanding clause to order teachers back to work: What you need to know

zmason@medicinehatnews.com

Legislation passed early Tuesday morning ordering teachers back to work is invoking the notwithstanding clause. This will mark the second time the province has used the clause to push through legislation that could otherwise be challenged on the grounds it violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Alberta first used the clause in 2000 to pass Bill 202, an anti-same-sex marriage amendment to the provincial marriage legislation.

Monday’s Bill 2, also known as the Back to School Act, ordered teachers back to the classroom as the province-wide strike reached its fourth week.

“This strike has gone on long enough. It’s clear there’s no path forward unless we act,” said Premier Danielle Smith in a statement Monday. “The Back to School Act refocuses everyone on wh