Students beginning school year in Medicine Hat, as teachers association is in mediation

It adds that video will only be reviewed when necessary.

Students at the Medicine Hat Public School Division, and Prairie Rose Public Schools will head back to school on Tuesday after the September long weekend.

The group representing Alberta’s teachers began four days of mediated contract talks with the province on Tuesday.

It comes months after the Alberta Teachers’ Association voted in favour of strike action and just before the majority of students go back to class.

Premier Danielle Smith has said Alberta’s current funding levels should be enough to address teachers’ frustrations.

When discussing the possibility of a strike, ATA president Jason Schilling said they are hopeful.

“There are a number of issues that need to be settled if this week’s talks are to be successful,” Schilling said.

He referenced unacceptable pay, classroom conditions, crowding and resources for students as key points that led to a 95 per cent vote to strike by Alberta teachers back in June.

Schilling said if a tentative deal is reached, a ratification vote would be held in a matter of weeks.

If no deal is reached, Schilling says the union will consider its next steps, which could include a province-wide strike as early as next week, but they do have until Oct. 7 to make a decision on a strike based on the June vote.

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Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education 2025-26 school year calendar. Courtesy/MHCBE

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Medicine Hat Public School Division 2025-26 school year calendar. Courtesy/MHPSD

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Prairie Rose Public School 2025-26 school year calendar. Courtesy/PRPS

– With files for the Canadian Press and Tanner Smith

by Jesse Gill

Students beginning school year in Medicine Hat, as teachers association is in mediation

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