An empty school classroom. A petition regarding the funding of private schools in Alberta has failed. (Image Credit: (c) Woodysphotos | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Alberta petition on ending funding for private schools fails

Feb 17, 2026 | 1:30 PM

A petition effort aimed at protecting public education by ending taxpayer funding to private schools has failed to garner the required number of signatures.

Gordon McClure, Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer, says signature gathering period for the “Alberta Funds Public Schools” citizen initiative petition has ended.

A total of 124,937 people signed the petition, which is approximately 70 per cent of the 177,732 it needed to move to the next stage.

It asked residents, “Should the Government of Alberta end its current practice of allocating public funds to accredited independent (private) schools?”

The petition from Alicia Taylor was approved by Elections Alberta on Oct. 7, 2025, and she and canvassers had 120 days to convince people to sign it.

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During the final moments of the petition period, Taylor said on Feb. 12 that she is proud of everyone who helped with the campaign and for fostering support for public education.

“Our volunteers have battled harsh weather conditions, keyboard warriors, and so much misinformation. I hope that this experience will encourage them to continue with their advocacy as we move into the next provincial election,” says Taylor. “Ask candidates about their plans for public education during our next election. We need people who value public education to continue to be engaged.”

The next provincial election in Alberta is scheduled to take place on Oct. 18, 2027.

You can see all citizen initiative petitions here.