By Hayley Ferguson

Class size the main topic at Local A.T.A election forum

Apr 10, 2019 | 11:34 PM

Medicine Hat, AB — Teachers from the Prairie Rose School Divison and Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education tried a different format when they hosted a candidates forum about education on Wednesday night.

Instead of a traditional debate, candidates from both Medicine Hat ridings were given three and a half minutes to present their ideas before a meet-and-greet with those in attendance.

Scott Raible, the political engagement officer for the Prairie Rose teachers, said that the two Alberta Teachers Association Locals wanted to create an environment that would encourage the candidates to come and be able to really share their platforms on education.

“Sometimes in a debate, the time, people have a minute or so to talk about each of the issues and sometimes there can be people shouting over each other.” The high school teacher said. “This way each candidate has three and a half minutes to speak to the issue of education and then afterwards we’ve got this meet and greet so those in attendance can have the time to actually flush out some of those answers and ask those questions or any issue they want, right to the candidate directly.”

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The format was a hit with both the candidates and the crowd, allowing for the evening to stay friendly, despite how vicious this election has been at times.

“I liked it because it was very civil, everybody got to say what they had to say and then now people have the chance to talk to the candidates about topics that are specific or concerns that are specific to them.” Marlyssa Willford, a first grade teacher from Brooks, said.

Cypress-Medicine Hat NDP candidate and former social studies teacher Peter Mueller agreed with that.

“The three minutes went by very very quickly. I was really amazed by how collegiate we all were. Everyone respected the cause of education and everyone spoke in favour of the need for more funding in education.”

While more funding for the education system was a major topic, teachers also wanted to talk about class sizes.

“As a high school teacher I can tell you first hand what happens when you’ve got a smaller class size. The type of learning that can take place vs when you’ve got 35-40 students in that classroom, it’s a lot more difficult.” Raible explained.

Brooks-Medicine Hat Alberta Party candidate and teacher Jim Black agreed that it’s the top issue in education right now.

“You hear it from Grandmas, you hear it from parents, hear it from kids. It’s definitely the number one issue.”

All but four candidates from both Cypress-Medicine Hat and Brooks-Medicine Hat were in attendance. Neither candidates from the Liberals or UCP were at the event.

This is the second time the local UCP candidates declined the invite to an event hosted by Alberta Teachers Association locals.

A debate hosted by the Medicine Hat School District Local 1 was scheduled for this past Monday, but was cancelled when the UCP would not commit to the event.