We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this period of uncertainty. We want to provide you with an important update regarding the current labour situation.
We are anticipating a full province-wide strike beginning Monday, October 6. While teachers are on strike, all school-related activities will be paused. Please do not send your children to school or leave your children at a bus stop.
We are committed to keeping you informed, and our central office will remain open. Should anything change before October 6, you will be informed, and updated information will continue to be posted to this page.
The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has stated their intention to begin job action on Monday, October 6, 2025. Based on the information the ATA shared earlier this week, it is likely teachers will commence a full strike on Monday, October 6. This labour action will impact Early Learning to Grade 12 in all Horizon School Division schools. Our Division is preparing for that scenario. At this time, we are waiting for official confirmation that a full strike will proceed. We will notify families immediately if a full strike is confirmed to take place or if other job action ensues.
We recognize this is a difficult time for our school communities, and we have added some important Frequently Asked Questions on this section of our website that may be helpful.
Yesterday evening, the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) announced that members have voted against ratifying the tentative agreement with the Teachers' Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA). We are encouraging families and staff to prepare for the possibility of a province-wide strike beginning Monday, October 6th.
What This Means for our Schools
Horizon schools are open this week, excluding today, as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Students should continue to attend school as usual for the rest of the week.
We are committed to providing you with updated information as it becomes available. Should a province-wide strike occur on Monday, October 6th, please be aware of the following:
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All classes will be cancelled. Students will not attend school in person or online.
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There will be no instruction, supervision, or extracurricular activities during the strike.
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Families and staff should ensure childcare arrangements are in place for Monday, October 6th.
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There will be no division-provided transportation and ask that you not send your children to the bus stop.
Our Commitment to You
We will notify families immediately if the strike is confirmed to take place or if other job action ensues. We will provide updates on this portal of our website and reach out directly to you via SchoolMessenger as new information becomes available.
We understand this is a difficult time for our school communities. We are hopeful that both parties will return to the bargaining table to reach a resolution. Thank you for your understanding as we endure this challenging time.
Horizon School Division Senior Administration
We are committed to providing families with timely information regarding the ongoing bargaining process between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA).
- On September 12, 2025, the ATA served notice to TEBA that job action will be taken on October 6, 2025 if no agreement can be reached by that date.
- Job action could take different forms, including “work to rule” (withdrawal of voluntary services), rotating strikes, or a full strike.
What This Means for Our Schools
While we are not directly involved in central bargaining, please know Horizon School Division is committed to keeping families informed. Should there be changes that impact school operations, we will share updates as quickly as possible. Currently, there are no changes to school operations.
We are hopeful that the two parties can reach an agreement before October 6, 2025.
Our Commitment to You
We recognize this uncertainty may raise questions and concerns for families. Please be assured our priority will always be the safety, well-being, and learning of our students.
To support families, we will:
- Provide timely updates through email, our Division website, and social media.
- Share important information promptly if circumstances change.
We are thankful for the dedication of our teachers and staff, who continue to provide caring, supportive learning environments for students every day.
As the school year begins, we also want to share some information regarding the ongoing provincial bargaining process between the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA).
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The teachers’ collective agreement expired in August 2024, and provincial negotiations have been underway since then.
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Earlier this year, a mediator recommended a settlement, but it was not ratified.
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In June, approximately 94.5% of participating teachers voted in favour of possible job action. This gives the ATA up to 120 days to act, with 72 hours’ notice required before any job action begins.
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Possible job action could take different forms, including “work to rule” (withdrawal of voluntary services), rotating strikes, or a full strike.
What This Means for Our Schools
At this time, Horizon schools are open and ready to welcome students. Both the ATA and TEBA have expressed a desire to reach an agreement, and we remain hopeful that progress will be made.
While we are not directly involved in central bargaining, please know Horizon School Division is committed to keeping families informed. Should there be changes that impact school operations, we will share updates as quickly as possible.
Our Commitment to You
We recognize this uncertainty may raise questions and concerns for families. Please be assured our priority will always be the safety, well-being, and learning of our students.
To support families, we will:
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Provide timely updates through email, our Division website, and social media.
-
Share important information promptly if circumstances change.
We are thankful for the dedication of our teachers and staff, who continue to provide caring, supportive learning environments for students every day.
As we begin this new school year together, let’s celebrate the opportunities ahead, support one another through challenges, and look forward to a year of learning, growth, and connection.
What is going to happen on October 6, 2025?
The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has stated their intention to begin job action on Monday, October 6, 2025. If a full strike proceeds on Monday, October 6, classes will be paused for all students. We ask that you do not send your child to school on that day or for the duration of the strike.
What would a full strike mean for our schools?
Should a province-wide strike occur on Monday, October 6th, please be aware of the following:
- All classes will be cancelled. Students will not attend school in person or online.
- There will be no instruction, supervision, or extracurricular activities during the strike.
- Families and staff should ensure childcare arrangements are in place for Monday, October 6th.
- There will be no division-provided transportation and ask that you not send your children to the bus stop.
What supports are available for families?
The Alberta government has a number of supports for families, including a plan to provide families with children 12 and under with financial support in the event of a full strike. Details are available through https://www.alberta.ca/parent-supports-during-school-closure.
Will schools provide childcare or supervision during a full strike?
The Division is not able to provide childcare or any student supervision during a strike. The Alberta Government has announced a plan to provide families with children 12 and under with financial support in the event of a full strike. Details are available through https://www.alberta.ca/parent-supports-during-school-closure.
Will students receive any learning materials or resources during the strike?
The Division will provide links to resources that families can use to support student learning during a strike. The Government of Alberta has also provided a website parents can use during a strike - Parent Supports
What is our Division’s role in bargaining?
Horizon School Division and our Local Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) are not directly involved in negotiations. Bargaining is currently happening at the provincial level between representatives of the ATA and the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA), representing the Government of Alberta and the public, separate, and Francophone school divisions.
How will families be informed of changes?
If there is any change that impacts school operations, we will:
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Send updates by email.
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Post information on our Division website and official social media.
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Use our call-out/text system for urgent messages.