Retired Educator Slams Government Delays in Addressing School Crises
As a retired teacher with decades of experience, I read recent calls for educators to advise the Education minister with deep concern. Teachers were legislated back to work last autumn and continue to labor under exceptionally difficult conditions. Promises made to them remain unfulfilled, creating an atmosphere of frustration and exhaustion.
The Committee Conundrum: Prolonging Problems Instead of Solving Them
Now in February, the minister proposes extending this challenging situation through yet another committee. How long must this continue? Another year? Perhaps two? Each passing month means more children losing their prime learning years because government officials drag their heels. How many additional educators will reach breaking point or abandon their profession entirely? Who will replace these dedicated professionals when they're gone?
The complex classroom situations facing Alberta schools demand immediate attention. Our children and teachers deserve more than empty promises that never materialize. It's time to move beyond endless committees and implement concrete actions that actually improve educational outcomes.
Healthcare Parallels: Similar Patterns of Delay and Disappointment
This pattern of delay extends beyond education. Regarding recent discussions about hospital needs, some argue we require long-term care beds instead of hospitals. The reality is we need both. We must stop treating government promises as tangible action and cease defending decisions that fail to build necessary healthcare infrastructure for our growing population.
Edmonton has expanded from 580,000 to 1.2 million residents since the last hospital construction. Demonizing healthcare administration, frontline staff, or external factors represents a form of gaslighting. Successive governments have failed to meet these critical needs.
Finally in 2017, a government took action, planning a south-side full-service hospital. Ground clearing began in 2021 with contractors hired, only to face multiple delays despite ongoing assurances from current leadership. Money, time, and planning have been wasted through deflection and distraction tactics.
Political Silence: Where Are the Supportive Voices?
Where are the letters from conservative readers? Recent editions featured eight letters, with five criticizing or attacking Premier Smith primarily over policy decisions. Are Alberta conservatives naturally reluctant to express their views openly? Perhaps they fear losing friendships or simply remain too conservative in showing support.
Why aren't they more openly appreciative of Premier Smith's ongoing struggles with Ottawa? When facing recent American tariff threats, Smith acted swiftly, traveling to Washington the following week to protect Alberta's economic interests. Meanwhile, Ottawa has blocked pipelines, canceled major energy projects, and implemented carbon policies threatening Alberta's investments and livelihoods.
Liberal laws and mandates risk causing serious blackouts while already harming Alberta farmers and ranchers. Perhaps threats of plebiscites and separation represent last-resort efforts to gain attention. Premier Smith isn't the first to challenge federal overreach, though she may unfortunately be the last.
Frances Tkachyk, S.M. Hogan, and John H. Miller, Edmonton
