The Anglican Diocese of Edmonton has raised issues regarding the Alberta government’s use of the notwithstanding clause to compel striking teachers to return to work. Bishop Stephen London penned an open letter recently, expressing his worries about the potential threat to Canadians’ religious freedoms posed by the legislation. He highlighted that invoking the clause to resolve the teachers’ strike contradicts the Charter’s freedom of association provision.
Last week, the United Conservative Party government utilized the notwithstanding clause to expedite back-to-work legislation and end a provincewide teachers strike that commenced on October 6. London urged Premier Danielle Smith to rescind the legislation and allow teachers to engage in collective bargaining, emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of the decision.
London stressed the importance of democratic rights and freedoms in Canadian society, especially in the face of global challenges to democratic institutions. He recommended a reevaluation of the government’s action amidst the fragile state of democratic norms worldwide.
Heather Jenkins, Justice Minister Mickey Amery’s press secretary, defended the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause, stating that it is a vital tool to maintain a balance of power between courts and elected bodies. Jenkins emphasized that the decision was made in the public interest to ensure students’ return to classrooms.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton did not immediately respond to inquiries about its stance on the matter.