Anglican Diocese questions Alberta’s use of notwithstanding clause on teachers

EDMONTON — The Anglican Diocese of Edmonton is raising concerns about the Alberta government's use of the notwithstanding clause to force striking teachers back to work.

Bishop Stephen London says he has no intention of getting into partisan political debates, but says the legislation could threaten Canadians' religious freedoms.

He says the use of this clause to end the teachers' strike is contrary to the Charter's right to freedom of association.

London states that denying the fundamental rights of one group has deeper consequences that can interfere with people's freedom of conscience and religion.

The United Conservative Party government invoked the clause last week to speed up the back-to-work legislation and end the province-wide teachers' strike that began Oct. 6.

The bishop is also calling on Premier Danielle Smith to repeal the law and allow teachers to continue to bargain collectively.

“This was an important decision that went beyond normal politics,” London wrote in an open letter on Tuesday.

“My concern is moral and spiritual.”

He said democratic rights and freedoms are central to the lives of Canadians and “essential to us being able to call ourselves a free society.”

“At a time when democratic institutions around the world are becoming fragile, I believe it would be wise to abandon these actions.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 4, 2025.

Canadian Press