Statement from COPE President Annette Toth on Alberta government’s strike busting

October 29, 2025

Annette Toth, President of the Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union (COPE), has released this statement in response to the Government of Alberta’s use of the notwithstanding clause to attack the rights of teachers and to end the teachers’ strike. COPE represents tens of thousands of union workers in both the public and private sector across Canada:

COPE strongly condemns the Government of Alberta and Premier Danielle Smith’s assault on the rights of the striking teachers in Alberta by invoking the notwithstanding clause to force teachers back to work.

No matter how the Government of Alberta attempts to frame it, this is nothing but an attack on the fundamental rights of teachers who are exercising their rights as workers and doing their part to defend public education and students in Alberta by asking the government to address critical issues that are affecting the educational experience, including class sizes and the need for student support.

By taking this action, the Government of Alberta is also showing they have little regard for workers’ rights in general and would be willing to use this method to attack workers and union members in any sector as they see ﬁt.

Our union, and our tens of thousands of members across the country, stands in solidarity with the teachers in Alberta, and with the Alberta Teachers’ Association, in their continued efforts to defend public education and workers’ rights in the face of a government that has shown little regard for either.

:kc

See original statement

Latest posts

Canadian Labour Congress Convention 2026

On May 11-15, 2026, members of COPE Ontario joined thousands of delegates from across Canada at the 31st Canadian Labour Congress Convention (CLC) in Winnipeg.

This was a chance to show the power of workers coming together and to work towards building a better future - one that protects Canadian workers and jobs.

Speakers at the convention included CLC President Bea Bruske who spoke to the challenges of unemployment, tariffs and wealth disparity within the workforce.

“Canadian workers are being squeezed from every direction,” said Bruske. “Donald Trump’s trade war is putting jobs and industries at risk. Austerity and cuts to public services are weakening the supports workers and families rely on. At the same time, employers are using automation, AI, and algorithms to increase insecurity and weaken protections on the job. Workers are standing together to fight back".

COPE Ontario is so proud of it's members who represented us at the convention!

Charlie Angus speaks at COPE Ontario's 2026 AGM

COPE Ontario hosted their Annual General Meeting on May 2-3, 2026, bringing together members from across the province. A highlight of the meeting was this powerful speech from former NDP MP Charlie Angus, now a leading voice in the resistance movement and host of a popular podcast.

Angus delivered a passionate call for Canadian unity in the face of rising authoritarianism south of the border, urging members to recognize the historic significance of Canada's collective economic boycott of the United States. A movement largely overlooked by mainstream media, Angus argued it represents a defining moment for Canadians, and one that labour must lead.

National Day of Mourning

Today (April 28) is National Day of Mourning, a solemn day where we remember the many workers killed or injured on the job.

Every year, more than 1,000 die because of workplace injury and illness.

But we also remember the countless others who live with the scars — mental and physical — of unhealthy workplaces.

As is becoming ever clearer, the workplace can impact the mind and soul of a worker, and frequently on-the-job stressors are brought home and impact family life.

Employees have a right to a workplace that's safe in every way — physically and psychologically.

Let's keep that right top of mind on this very special day.