The Alberta government has introduced Bill 2 – the Back to School Act, ordering more than 50,000 teachers back to work and invoking the notwithstanding clause to enforce compliance.

The legislation, tabled late Monday, imposes a contract previously rejected by the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) in September. The agreement includes a 12% salary increase over four years, market adjustments of up to 17%, and funding to hire 3,000 teachers and 1,500 educational assistants.

The Act also suspends local bargaining until 2028, introduces financial penalties, and prevents strikes or lockouts across 61 school boards to maintain labour stability.

Organizations that do not comply will face fines of $500,000 per day, while individuals could be fined $500 per day of non-compliance, enforced through the Alberta Labour Relations Board.

“This legislation ensures no further harm is done to Albertan students and ends the strike immediately,” said Finance Minister Nate Horner. “Invoking the notwithstanding clause is a serious decision — one we do not take lightly — but it is necessary to ensure stability in the school system.”