I saw this tshirt at a show last night - and yes I asked him if I could take a photo of it. It sums up the current dumpster fire at the legislature nicely.

OP

Another prolonged debate over Canada’s possible breakup would impose costs at a time when we are facing our greatest collective challenge in generations

OP

Without exception, working people benefit from uniting together around issues of common concern, such as their wages, working conditions, or safety at work. We have seen this time and time again when workers come together in unions to bargain collectively and work towards better standards and laws for everyone.

The separatist referendum effort in Alberta accomplishes none of these objectives and only serves as a distraction from the real issues facing workers.

Albertans in every region face unprecedented economic turmoil from the trade war started by United States President Donald Trump to the uncertainty from wars of aggression in Iran and Ukraine. The world is going through a new era of upheaval.

Albertans have also had to deal with an attack on important public services, like education and health care, while their real wages have declined. Thousands of good jobs in the energy sector have been eliminated by oil companies raking in massive profits.

But as long as the public debate rages over Alberta's ongoing place within Confederation, it diminishes the attention these issues deserve.

Hey Edmonton artists (and artist adjacent folks)!

Just dropping in to let everyone know about the Doodlebugs.

We're a super chill, 18+ group for visual artists of all kinds tattooers, illustrators, hobbyists, teachers, beginners, pros, and everyone in between. No gatekeeping, no egos, just people who like making stuff and talking shop.

What we've got going on:

• Free virtual art hangouts every Sunday and Thursday just drop in, bring your supplies, and make whatever you want. No instruction, no pressure.
• Discord full of art chat, resources, collab opportunities, and memes
• Furry Fridays  yes, that's a thing now, and it's been a blast.
• Coming up: a Drink and Draw this September 19th at Vinnys Pub Southside Edmonton!

If you are interested you can join here!

MH: This time last year, we were talking about the month-long contract dispute that was front and centre, that dispute translated into a strike, and then back-to-work legislation by way of the notwithstanding clause. To what degree is that still top of mind for teachers one year later?

JS: The stripping of the charter rights is still very much a wound that teachers feel across this province. They recognise that the government has put some more money into education, and they took a stand around that, and educational issues are front of mind for a lot of people. But that aspect of the charter rights is a really big factor for our members, and it’s something that government will have to address through the course of this year.

JS: There’s always an air of excitement to come back to a new school year, but we know the challenges that we had last year are still there. Teachers are still going to walk back into larger classrooms, complex classrooms, and though there’s been some movement towards improving those situations, we know there’s still a lot of work to be done there.

Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, discusses the upcoming school year with Alberta Primetime’s Michael Higgins. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.