It’s been two weeks since Danielle Smith ended a province-wide teachers’ strike with the most draconian method possible. Surprisingly, her actions have led to widespread support for the teachers; a notable departure for a province that is not known for its championing of unions and labour in general.

Smith resorted to invoking the notwithstanding clause of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and quickly passed legislation in less than 12 hours that forced the teachers back to work, imposed a wage settlement that the teachers had rejected by a vote of 89 per cent and forbade them to strike until 2028. Any teacher who did not obey would be fined $500 a day, and the union — Alberta Teachers Association — would be docked $500,000 a day.

The notwithstanding clause — Section 33 of the Charter o

See Full Page