By Canadian Press

Alberta premier defends rules on in-person class guarantee

Nov 25, 2022 | 3:32 PM

EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending new rules ordering schools to provide in-person learning during the current wave of viral illnesses.

Smith says the province is done treating every respiratory season with extreme measures. She says a clear, measured response is crucial for students and parents.

The new rules also don’t allow mandatory mask rules for students.

School boards have been asking for more direction as a slew of seasonal respiratory illnesses along with some COVID-19 cases have led to high classroom absentee rates and jammed children’s hospitals.

The head of the Alberta Teachers’ Association says the government must help with more resources if it’s going to ask schools to offer both online and in-person education if it comes to that.

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Jason Schilling says teachers are being increasingly stretched to cover absences due to illnesses.

He says it’s hard to get substitutes and that teachers and even principals are being forced to cover more classes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2022.

The Canadian Press