Alberta looks to help teachers

By Chantelle de Jonge Chestermere-Strathmore MLA

Alberta is a place where people value practical leadership. Whether it’s parents worried about their kids’ education, farmers protecting their land, or families planning for the future, Albertans expect their government to listen and act responsibly. By making decisions based on what’s best for our province, our government is delivering results people can see in their everyday lives.

Alberta has a strong education system but keeping it strong means making sure teachers have the support they need. That’s why our government has announced a new Teacher Advisory Council. This council will give teachers a direct voice in shaping education policy. Teachers know what’s happening in classrooms and where improvements are needed. By listening to their real-world experience, especially on issues like classroom size and complexity, we can make better decisions for students and families. To learn more or to apply, visit alberta.ca/teacher-advisory-council.

Standing up for Alberta also means speaking out when federal decisions don’t work for our province. Recently, the federal government denied Alberta the use of Strychnine to manage Richardson’s ground squirrels. For many farmers and ranchers, this tool is important for protecting crops, land, and livestock. Alberta’s government has been clear: this decision ignores local knowledge and puts rural producers at risk. Our government will continue to push for practical, science-based solutions that support Alberta’s agricultural communities.

Our government has also raised concerns about the appointment of federal judges in Alberta. We’re calling on Ottawa to be more open and to give our province a stronger role in this process. This includes asking them to rethink strict bilingualism rules that don’t reflect how people live and work in Western Canada, and that can block qualified candidates from being considered. This is about giving Albertans a real voice, building trust in the justice system, and ensuring judges reflect the values of the communities they serve.

Alberta’s 2026 budget will be released on Feb. 26. Budget Day is about priorities, but it will also require some tough choices. We’re making responsible decisions now to protect our province’s financial future, stay focused on what matters, and ensure Alberta remains strong for our children and grandchildren. With economic uncertainty around the world, careful planning matters more than ever.

Good government means listening, standing up for our province, and planning ahead. By working with teachers, supporting rural Alberta, protecting the fairness of our justice system, and preparing a responsible budget, our government is focused on what matters most. That’s how we keep Alberta strong today and ready for the future.

We are also proud to support our Olympic and Paralympic athletes competing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, taking place Feb. 6–22 and March 6–15. As home to many dedicated, high-achieving athletes, Alberta looks forward to cheering our Olympians as they bring their commitment and excellence to the world stage.

Brett Gallant, Ben Hebert, and Jocelyn Peterman of Chestermere are members of Canada’s Olympic Curling Team. Seeing athletes from our own community compete on the world stage is something special, and their success reflects years of hard work supported by local curling clubs, volunteers, families, and fans. They represent the best of what community sport can produce. We wish them the best of luck on their Olympic journey!

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with your feedback and questions (Chestermere.Strathmore@assembly.ab.ca).

(Chantelle de Jonge is the MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore and the Parliamentary Secretary for Affordability and Utilities)