Spotlight on Retiring Member:

Anita Sawyer for 38 Years of Service

What We’ll Remember:

Anita has been a wealth of knowledge, with a lot of wit thrown in! A colleague and friend, she grace over and over to all, young and old.
Deb Rhodes

I always enjoyed our morning coffee chats, especially our conversations about the challenges women face as they age. Thank you for your kindness in bringing me the forget-me-not seeds when Neil passed away. It meant so much to me and is something I will always remember.
Congratulations on your retirement! I wish you all the very best as you begin this new chapter. Enjoy every day, make wonderful memories, and cherish every moment.
Deana Warden

When I first started my EA career, Anita was a colleague and acquaintance. Over the years we have become friends and I am going to miss seeing her in the hallways.
I can remember many times when Anita helped me. She would always have such good ideas. She lead by example, and watching her handle a situation, she was always calm and patient.
There will be a void with Anita retiring. I will miss our chats, and her witty humour. Enjoy your retirement and do all the things that make you happy!
Catherine Komadina

Parting Thoughts from Anita:

After 38 Years in education – all of them at Wainwright Elementary School as a Educational Assistant – the time has come for me to close this chapter and begin a new one in retirement.

Over nearly four decades, I have had the privilege of working with incredible students, families, and colleagues. No matter the role or assignment, I always tried to approach my work with enthusiasm and commitment to the advocating for the students entrusted to my care.

One thing people outside of education may never fully understand is how much heart this work requires. Supporting students means helping them navigate emotions, build confidence, develop resilience, and experience success – often while adapting and responding to their needs in real time. It isn’t always easy work, but it has always been meaningful work.

To my colleagues, thank you. Thank you for the laughter in the staff room, the support during difficult days, the teamwork, friendship, and countless moments that made even the most challenging years worthwhile. Education has changed dramatically over the years, but the dedication of the people who work in our schools has never wavered.

I am also grateful for the support and advocacy of CUPE throughout my career. Our union has been a strong voice for education support staff, championing fair working conditions, professional respect, and recognition of the essential roll support staff play in helping students succeed. The strength of public education depends on all those who contribute to it, and I am proud to have been a part of a union that continues to stand up for its members.

As I retire I leave feeling grateful: Grateful for a career that mattered, grateful to the students who taught me as much as I taught them, and grateful for the friendships and connections that will continue long after my last day of work.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey. it has truly been an honour.

From all of us, thank you for your years of dedication, compassion, and service. Enjoy your retirement — you’ve earned it.

Spotlight on Retiring Member:

Merna Boychuk for 14 1/2 Years of Service

What We’ll Remember: 

For the past five years, I have had the privilege of working closely with Merna while she served as the administrative assistant in our office. Merna is truly one of the biggest-hearted people I know — always ready with support, encouragement, a kind word, or a much-needed heart-to-heart.
I will always love the little sparkle in Merna’s eye when she is feeling mischievous. Her fun-loving nature has brought lightness to so many moments, especially when we needed it most. She is also one of the hardest-working people I have ever met — the only person I know who could put on a Band-Aid, answer the phone, unlock the safe, answer the door, count change, and handle 7,000 interruptions all at once. And I can guarantee that her change count was still correct every single time.
Merna has seen me through some really difficult moments, and I will forever be grateful for her support, her kindness, and the way she always made time to stop, listen, and care. She is a gift to everyone who knows her. I will miss her dearly, but I know she will fill her days with the family she loves so much.
We are so thankful for all the years that Merna’s family lent her to us, because she has truly been the glue that held us together.
Christine Martens

This is a bittersweet time in my life. If you have met me you know that I have loved working at Wainwright Elementary School for the last 14 1/2 years. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with the most amazing, heartfelt and hardworking people. Special hugs to you, Paula. I’ve  loved meeting all of the students and their families that have passed through the hallways of WES. I’ve been blessed to see my two grandchildren go through their Elementary school years and have fun with them doing it. I’m now going to keep these people as friends and move forward looking after myself, my family and hopefully do a little traveling, camping and fun. Thank you so much for all of the memories.

From all of us, thank you for your years of dedication, compassion, and service. Enjoy your retirement — you’ve earned it.

It’s here!
The new CUPE 1606 shirt design is officially revealed!

Simple. Bold. Unified.

Some things you don’t just wear — you represent.

This isn’t just a shirt. It’s a reflection of the people who keep our schools running every single day — showing up with commitment, care, and strength.

Proud. United. Stronger Together.

Spotlight on Retiring Member:

Sharon Earl for 50 Years of Service

What We’ll Remember: 

From all of us, thank you for your years of dedication, compassion, and service. Enjoy your retirement — you’ve earned it.

IT’S HERE! The CUPE 1606 “Songs for Tough Days” Playlist

For the days that feel heavy.
For the drives home.
For when you just need a little extra push.

Turn it on, take a breath, keep moving.
Press play, keep going.

Listen here:

SENT ON BEHALF OF RAJ UPPAL, CUPE ALBERTA PRESIDENT AND LYNDSEY HENDERSON, CUPE POLITICAL ACTION COORDINATOR:

Hello Everyone,

We’re pleased to say it’s been a slightly quieter week on the Legislation front.  The Legislature was on break for a constituency week, so no new legislation has been tabled. The session will resume on Monday April 13th.  We continue to see strong responses from unions and sectoral organizations condemning many of the bills tabled last week, and it’s essential we continue to push back against the massive overreach and interference we’re seeing into school boards, the control and oversight of municipalities and municipal elected officials, libraries, and more.

Another reminder that committee applications are due by the end of day today, April 10^th, for 10 standing committees – you can find details about the committees here (please note: two new committees this year have been struck – the young workers committee and the disability committee).  Any interested members should contact their local president and complete the application form available here. Please ensure these are completed and submitted before the end of day on April 10th to the contact listed at the bottom of the form.

We have launched the next wave of our Don’t Touch CPP campaign, and you can find the newly released video at DontTouchCPP.ca.  Please share the campaign with your members and ask them to sign on to send a message to Premier Smith and their local MLA to keep their hands off our pensions!

We want to thank those of you who had members participating in this week’s Member Mobilization and Campaign Training in Calgary.  We can proudly say that members were educated on pressing issues around the referendum, healthcare privatization, CPP, engaging in member to member and electoral campaigns and knocked on just shy of 1200 doors in battleground Calgary! This was our first joint school with the United Steelworkers and Unifor, and we will work hard to plan and schedule more training opportunities for members going forward.

CUPE Campaigns, Calls to Action and Events:

• The United Nurses of Alberta are asking folks to post pictures of cake to celebrate the “birthday” of the Canada Health Act (CHA), which came into effect on April 17^th,1984, and to urge politicians to ensure that the CHA is being enforced and protecting public healthcare for all.  A poster with more details is attached to this email.
• Alberta Municipalities will be hosting a webinar to gather information and share their draft report in response to Bill 28, and its impacts.  The webinar is on April 14^th at 12:00 PM, and you can Register Here.

• CUPE Alberta has launched a census survey to learn more about the demographics and experiences of its members, so that we can better serve our membership and help locals thrive.  Your responses will help us identify areas of strength within our membership and areas for improvement.  Please circulate this to all members interested in completing the survey.
• CUPE Save our Schools!

• • Send a letter to the Minister and elected representatives to save Fulham School in Grande Yellowhead School District
  • Send a letter to the Minister and elected representatives to save Delnorte School in Buffalo Trail School District
  • Send a letter to the Minister and elected representatives to save Walter Niblock and Southview School in Medicine Hat
• Corb Lund’s Water Not Coal petition is undertaking a province-wide tour with signing opportunities to fight back against coal mining in the Rocky Mountains.
• State of Emergency Health Care Crisis Stories  – over 8000 stories have been shared through our State of Emergency Campaign – read them now and sign on!
• Don’t Touch CPP –   Check out the newly released video standing up for our pensions and tell Danielle Smith and the Alberta Government that Albertans have made themselves clear, we want to stay in the CPP!
• The City of Edmonton is asking for engagement to help shape budgets 2027-30.  You can engage online or in a variety of in-person meetings.  We can be a strong voice to prevent contracting out and privatization of our services.
• The Parkland Institute is hosting the “Notwithstanding Clause”: Can Governments Escape Their Duty to Bargain With Unions?  Parkland Director Jason Foster will examine what this constitutional workaround means for collective bargaining rights — and what workers and their unions can do in response. On Wednesday, April 22^nd 1:30 PM MDT. Register Here
• Friends of Medicare – Stolen Time Film Screening Fort McMurray – Saturday April 11^th 7:00 PM.
• Friends of Medicare – Stolen Time Film Screening Medicine Hat – Saturday April 18^th 7:00 PM
• Alberta Federation of Labour Mid-Term Forum – April 24^th – 25^th – Chateau Lacombe, Edmonton.
• Alberta Federation of Labour Civil Society Summit – April 26^t – Chateau Lacombe, Edmonton
• Public Interest Alberta – Annual Gala May 7^th 5:00 PM – Chateau Louise Hotel and Conference Centre, Edmonton.
• Public Interest Alberta – Annual Conference “Common Purpose, Collective Action” – May 8^th– 9^th – Barnett House Edmonton.
• CUPE Health and Safety Conference – May 24^th– 25^th Edmonton – Delta Hotels Edmonton South Conference Centre.
• The CUPE Events Van is now ready for events! The van is equipped to support your outreach and engagement activities, including community events, rallies, BBQ’s and member gatherings. Locals and CUPE District Councils can request use of the van along with equipment such as a speaker, microphone, megaphone, BBQ, popcorn machine, and button maker. To request the van to support your event, please fill out the application form here. To apply to become an approved driver, please complete the form here.  Any questions about the events van can be directed to admin@cupeab.org

Week in Review

• CUPE Local 70 sounds the alarm over Bill 28 and the government expanding control over our libraries.  “This is not what library staff are meant to be doing.  We are trained professionals, and we have been handling questions about age-appropriate materials for decades without issues.” – Dax Law CUPE Local 70 member and Unit Director for library workers.
• The Public School Boards Association of Alberta has raised a series of serios concerns with Bill 25 and the impact it will have on the work and autonomy of democratically elected school trustees and divisions.  They have raised that it will curtail boards roles as community advocates, ensuring their schools are welcoming and supportive spaces, set strategic priorities that are reflective of their community and exert autonomy in hiring superintendents.
• First Nations from across Alberta held a rally in Churchill Square to oppose an attempt to force a referendum on Alberta separating from Canada.
• Alberta Government will not be conducting an environmental impact assessment for Kevin O’Leary’s proposed data centre park outside of Grande Prairie.
• Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu has crossed the floor to the Liberals.  This coupled with at least two anticipated by-election wins on Monday means that Mark Carney’s Liberals will gain a majority of seats in the house of commons.  There are further rooms that an additional 9 Conservative MPs may be considering crossing the floor to join the Liberals.
• The NDP Opposition have launched a “For Alberta, For Canada” campaign, pushing back against separatism and calling for a united Canada.
• A recent Angus Reid poll was released, which noted that 67% of respondents felt the Government was doing a poor job on healthcare, 66% believe they are doing a poor job on addressing the cost of living, and 52% believe we are on the wrong path as a Province.
• After a stabbing in the Emergency department of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, multiple unions are calling for increases to safety and security measures for staff and patients.  They note that members are facing increased threats of violence and harassment in the workplace.
• Legal arguments have concluded for the court challenge brought forward by the Sturgeon Lake, Athabasca Chipewyan and Blackfoot Confederacy First Nations.  The nations brought forward the challenge against the Alberta separatist petition and potential referendum.
• The Globe and Mail has written an expose showing that Justice Minister Mickey Amery shortened the amount of time Elections Alberta has to penalize finance violations while his friend and relative, Sam Mraice (who is at the heart of the AHS Corrupt Care scandal) was under investigation by the regulator.
• The Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries (CAPL), representing all 324 public library service points in Alberta, raised serious concerns about Bill 28.
• Taber has won the annual Kraft Hockeyville award and a $250k grant!  Thank you to those of you who voted and supported our amazing arena workers!

In Solidarity,

RAJ and LYNDSEY

SENT ON BEHALF OF RAJ UPPAL, CUPE ALBERTA PRESIDENT AND LYNDSEY HENDERSON, CUPE POLITICAL ACTION COORDINATOR:

Hello Everyone,

We experienced technical difficulties on Friday and were unable to send the newsletter out, so please accept our sincerest apologies for the delay.

It was wonderful to see so many of you at convention.  It’s such an important time for us to come together, share our workplace experiences and challenges, and shape the priorities we’ll be fighting for in the next year.

The Legislature continues to meet, and we’re beginning to see Bills other than the necessary budget legislation.  Notably, the Government tabled Bill 18, the Safeguards for Last Resort Termination of Life Act, which will severely restrict access to those seeking medical assistance in dying (MAID).

We also saw multiple readings and debates on Private Members Bill 205, introduced by the NDP Shadow Minister for Community and Social Services, which seeks to bring in Accessibility Legislation to Alberta, one of only two provinces in Canada that do not have any.

In addition, coordinated rallies took place across Canada for the Canadian Health Coalition Day of Action against Two-Tier healthcare.  CUPE Divisions across Canada denounced Danielle Smith’s Bill 11 and the introduction of American style two tier private healthcare into our province.

CUPE Campaigns, Calls to Action and Events

• CUPE Alberta has launched a census survey to learn more about the demographics and experiences of its members so that we can better serve our membership and help locals thrive.  Your responses will help us identify areas of strength within our membership and areas for improvement.  Please circulate to all members who are interested in completing the survey.
• Applications are now open for the first National Wild in Leadership Development (WILD) Program – designed to provide leadership skills to Indigenous, Black and racialized and non-binary members of CUPE
• CUPE Save our Schools!
  • Send a letter to the Minister and elected representatives to save Fulham School in Grande Yellowhead School District
  • Send a letter to the Minister and elected representatives to save Delnorte School in Buffalo Trail School District
  • Send a letter to the Minister and elected representatives to save Walter Niblock and Southview School in Medicine Hate
• CUPE Alberta Spring Schools – in Canmore April 26^th – May 1^st is filling up fast but still has some openings in some workshops.
• State of Emergency Health Care Crisis Stories  – over 8000 stories have been shared through our State of Emergency Campaign – read them now and sign on!
• Don’t Touch CPP – Tell Danielle Smith and the Alberta Government that Albertans have made themselves clear, we want to stay in the CPP, and we don’t want any political interference in our pensions
• Friends of Medicare – Stolen Time Film Screening Fort McMurray – Saturday April 11^th 7:00 PM
• Alberta Federation of Labour – Worker Agenda Town Hall – Grande Prairie – March 24^th 6:00 PM
• Alberta Federation of Labour Mid-Term Forum – April 24^th – 25^th – Chateau Lacome, Edmonton
• Public Interest Alberta – Annual Gala May 7^th 5:00 PM – Chateau Louise Hotel and Conference Centre, Edmonton
• Public Interest Alberta – Annual Conference “Common Purpose, Collective Action” – May 8^th– 9^th – Barnett House Edmonton
• CUPE Health and Safety Conference – May 24^th– 25^th Edmonton – Delta Hotels Edmonton South Conference Centre

Week in Review

• Danielle Smith and the UCP have severely restricted access to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) just as the federal government is considering broadening eligibility.  The restrictions include not being able to access MAID for patients whose only underlying condition is mental illness; they are only able to access it if they are likely to pass in the next 12 months, and in almost all cases, a direct family member must be present during the administration of MAID.
• Search warrants have been executed on properties linked to Sam Mraiche, who is at the center of the ongoing corrupt care scandal.  The RCMP have refused to comment, except to confirm they have executed multiple search warrants.  Ongoing concerns around this are the procurement of the “Turkish Tylenol”, preferential real estate deals of Government of Alberta properties, providing tickets to NHL playoff games for multiple Government Ministers and senior bureaucrats, and family ties to cabinet members.
• Danielle Smith has confirmed that she took a private flight to the Middle East at the invitation of the Saudi royal family, despite previously criticizing other elected officials for taking private flights while conducting official business.
• NDP Shadow Minister for Community and Social Services Marie Renaud has tabled a private members’ bill (Bill 206) to bring in Alberta’s first accessibility legislation.  Alberta and Prince Edward Island are the only provinces in Canada without accessibility legislation.
• At the recent Rural Municipalities Association convention this week, major concerns were raised with the Government about massive wait times and delays for rural ambulances, massive unpaid property taxes by oil and gas companies, orphan well clean up and more.  They released a Property Tax Accountability Strategy (PTAS) report, which provides 17 recommendations to the government about how to address some of these concerns.
• The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters released a report about the major gaps in rural transportation and the impacts they have on victims of domestic violence.
• A provincial inspection of the Bearspaw Feeder main in Calgary, it will be essential to keep track of ongoing developments about oversight and control of the water utility as the city continues to work with the province about repairs and infrastructure condition.
• A challenge to Canmore’s Vacancy Tax has been dismissed from the Alberta Court of Appeal.  The town has hailed this as a win for the ability of towns and municipalities to shape and enforce their own bylaws in support of their unique communities.
• The ND Opposition has called on the Government to instate the fuel tax relief program to assist Albertans with the massive cost of living pressure as we face massive price increases at the fuel pumps.
• Municipal elected officials from across Alberta have raised dire concerns about the massive wait times and accessibility issues accessing ambulances
• Orthopedic surgeons are warning of possible mass surgery cancellations as contracts are due to expire on April 1^st. Physicians have been working hard to reach an agreement to avoid any disruption or cancellations.
• The province will not be renewing the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, which provided up to $500,000 matching grants to municipalities for energy conservation and electricity generation projects
• For the first time in its history, the provincial government is providing $90 million in public funding to help build private schools.

SENT ON BEHALF OF RAJ UPPAL, CUPE ALBERTA PRESIDENT AND LYNDSEY HENDERSON, CUPE POLITICAL ACTION COORDINATOR:

Hello Everyone,

Thanks so much to everyone who participated in our healthcare privatization townhall this past Tuesday!  We had a great presentation by Rebecca Graff from the Parkland Institute and Chris Gallway from Friends of Medicare.  I have attached the slides from Rebecca, with her permission, so we can continue to share their excellent information about Bill 11 and the existential threat it poses to our public health system.

We saw a flurry of reactions to last Thursday’s budget with many groups frustrated about the lack of funding for critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare – many of which we have linked and highlighted below.

CUPE Campaigns, Calls to Action and Events

• Alberta Social Services Sector Committee Meeting – March 10^th 10:00 AM -online – join the first meeting of our new Social Services Sector Committee
• CUPE Issues denouncing the use of the P3 model for building new schools – highlighting that the Government is returning to the failed model yet again and compromising the oversight and control that we will have of our schools.
• Applications are now open for the first National Wild in Leadership Development (WILD) Program – designed to provide leadership skills to Indigenous, Black and racialized and non-binary members of CUPE
• CUPE Save our Schools!
  • Send a letter to the Minister and elected representatives to save Fulham School in Grande Yellowhead School District
  • Send a letter to the Minister and elected representatives to save Delnorte School in Buffalo Trail School District
  • Send a letter to the Minister and elected representatives to save Walter Niblock and Southview School in Medicine Hate
• CUPE Alberta Convention – March 18-20^th – Edmonton
• CUPE Alberta Spring Schools – in Canmore April 26^th – May 1^st is filling up fast but still has some openings in some workshops.
• State of Emergency Health Care Crisis Stories  – over 8000 stories have been shared through our State of Emergency Campaign – read them now and sign on!
• Don’t Touch CPP – Tell Danielle Smith and the Alberta Government that Albertans have made themselves clear, we want to stay in the CPP, and we don’t want any political interference in our pensions
• Friends of Medicare – Day of Action: No Two-Tier Health Care – calling in Liberal MPs to enforce the Canada Health Act and stop two tier health care in Alberta
  • Monday March 16^th 12:00 PM – Edmonton – MP Eleanor Olszewski’s Office – 12220 Stony Plain Road NW
  • Monday March 16^th 12:00 PM – Calgary – MP Cory Hogan’s Office – 1717 10 Street NW

• Friends of Medicare continues their “An Urgent Conversation: Public Health Care” tour with Dr. Paul Parks with events in
  • Drayton Valley – Friday March 20^th 6:30 PM – MacKenzie Conference Centre
  • Grande Prairie – Sunday March 22^nd 2:00 PM – Richmond Reception Centre
  • Spruce Grove – Monday March 23^rd 7:00 PM – Spruce Grove Pioneer Centre (Spruce Grove Golden Age Club)
  • Southeast Edmonton – Tuesday March 24^th 7:00 PM – Mill Woods Seniors Association
• Friends of Medicare – Stolen Time Film Screening Fort McMurray – Saturday April 11^th 7:00 PM
• Alberta Federation of Labour Worker Town Hall Tour
  • Worker Agenda Townhall – Medicine Hat – March 18^th 6:00 – 8:30 PM
  • Worker Agenda Townhall – Lethbridge – March 19^th 6:00 – 8:30 PM
• Alberta Federation of Labour Mid-Term Forum – April 24^th – 25^th – Chateau Lacome, Edmonton
• Public Interest Alberta – Online CPP Townhall – March 11^th 6:00 PM – online
• Public Interest Alberta – Annual Gala May 7^th 5:00 PM – Chateau Louise Hotel and Conference Centre, Edmonton
• Public Interest Alberta – Annual Conference “Common Purpose, Collective Action” – May 8^th– 9^th – Barnett House Edmonton
• CUPE Health and Safety Conference – May 24^th– 25^th Edmonton – Delta Hotels Edmonton South Conference Centre
• Health Spending Store – asked us to share a free directory of services providers that are eligible for many health spending accounts(HSA)/Wellness Spending Accounts(WSA) for members with those available through their benefits

Week in Review

• CUPE AB issued a press release highlighting the UCP governments return to the failed model of P3s to build new schools.
• The Rural Municipalities Association issued a response to the budget highlighting the failure to address the $17 billion infrastructure deficit we’ve have in Alberta.  “This combined with a substantial increase in the Education Property Tax rates, will reduce rural municipal capacity to maintain core infrastructure and provide essential services, resulting in increased risk of asset failure and missed opportunities for new investment and economic growth.”
• The National Police Federation criticized the $36.9 million in a single year directed toward the new Alberta Sheriff’s Police Service – they noted there was no clear business case, no transparent implementation plan and little evidence that communities are interested in policing Alternatives.  The new Alberta Police Service was initiated out of the Alberta Next Panel, but it was decided they would move forward with this decision unilaterally to replace the RCMP, despite many municipalities and the public clearly stating they wanted to remain with the RCMP.
• Alberta Municipalities issues a press release denouncing the UCP Governments decision to offload a major property tax increase to municipalities, making life less affordable for Albertans with lower or fixed incomes.
• The Alberta Federation of Labour are planning a province wide Day of Protest across Alberta on May 29^th to fight back against the anti-labour actions of the UCP Government.
• Dennis Modry, co-found and former CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project which is championing Alberta separatism  was found to have misappropriated $1.3 million from the joint bank account of his aunt and uncle who suffered from Alzheimer’s and dementia and has failed to pay back the funds despite being ordered to do so by the courts.
• Records show that as of February 2026 Alberta has had the deadliest flu season on record.
• Experts warn that Alberta is not ready to deal with the threat of online disinformation coming from foreign actors during a possible separation referendum in the fall.  When asked about what the province would do to deal with foreign interference, Premier Smith replied that the Government is adding citizenship markers to driver’s licenses in May or June but had no response on dealing with disinformation campaigns or genuine foreign interference.
• The Albert Medical Association has pushed back against the Government’s assertion that they are the reason for the delay in placing Triage Physicians in Emergency Rooms.  They state that they delay is not on their end and that it has been difficult to get the Government to the table for negotiations.
• The Alberta Teacher’s Association had two days in court seeking an injunction over back to work legislation (Bill 2), a ruling on the injunction is expected March13 ^th .
• The government has once again mused about getting rid of the time change and shifting permanently to day light time.
• Calgary Mayor Jeremy Farkas has been highly critical of the massive property tax increase that will be imposed on Calgarians due to the provincial government and has proposed the idea of a plebiscite to see if Calgarians feel they are getting a fair deal from the provincial government.
• Canadian Doctors for Medicare, the Canadian Health Coalition and University of Calgary Senior Associate Dean of Health Research at the Cumming School of Medicine Dr. Braden Manns held a news conference in Ottawa warning that two-tier health care brought into Alberta by Bill 11 will increase wait times and costs for healthcare.
• Major changes have been made to the eligibility for the Alberta Seniors Benefit meaning at least 5,800 people will be impacted by cuts to benefits.
• A six month cap has been introduced to Alberta’s income support benefit, concerns have been raised by anti-poverty organizations.

Alberta Regional Office

600 South, 10130 – 112 Street NW

Edmonton, AB T5K 2K4

P | 780-484-7644

E | jbrent@cupe.ca

SENT ON BEHALF OF RAJ UPPAL, CUPE ALBERTA PRESIDENT AND LYNDSEY HENDERSON, CUPE POLITICAL ACTION COORDINATOR:

Hello Everyone,

We had a great turnout for CUPE National’s first-ever lobby day on Parliament Hill.  Over 200 CUPE committee members from across Canada came together to learn and share our stories about the value of public services.  We heard from many members that MPs appreciated their stories from the front line, and many more reported being unaware of some of the issues and concerns we were raising with them.  MP Alexandre Boulerice, who presented on a panel, made a very poignant observation: ‘…if we’re not the ones there, sharing our stories and information, lobbyists will be.’  It’s essential that we continue to use our voice to advocate for positive changes for our members and our province.

Yesterday, we saw the UCP Government drop its 2026/27 budget, including a $9.4 billion dollar deficit.  We saw no new funding for hospitals and primary care, no funding for even one new public school and not nearly enough to address the massive infrastructure deficit we’re seeing across our municipalities.  While they may be touting “big” increases to education and healthcare funding, they still aren’t enough to keep up with the massive cuts and underfunding we’ve seen since 2019, not to mention the increases to population and inflation.  This almost $10 billion deficit wipes out the surpluses we’ve seen in previous years, which were themselves built on the back of massive cuts to our key services.  We remain the lowest funding per student for education across Canada. Albertans will also be facing massive property tax increases and a blizzard of new levies and fees on all sorts of services.

We urge you to join us on Tuesday March 3^rd, for our healthcare privatization town hall to hear from experts with the Parkland Institute and Friends of Medicare to talk about the dire consequences of healthcare privatization that we’re already dealing with, as well as some of the more concerning trends we’re seeing coming out of yesterday’s budget.  All members are welcome to join this free town hall to keep informed and empowered. You can register here: Healthcare Privatization Townhall – March 3, 2026 | Canadian Union of Public Employees

CUPE Campaigns, Calls to Action and Events

• Healthcare Privatization Townhall – March 3, 2026 | Canadian Union of Public Employees – Tuesday March 3^rd 6:30 pm – online FREE TO ALL MEMBERS
• Alberta Social Services Sector Committee Meeting – March 10^th 10:00 AM -online – join the first meeting of our new Social Services Sector Committee
• CUPE Issues a press release in response to yesterday’s budget – highlighting how this massive deficit is a product of economic mismanagement and highlighting key areas of concern
• Applications are now open for the first National Wild in Leadership Development (WILD) Program – designed to provide leadership skills to Indigenous, Black and racialized and non-binary members of CUPE
• CUPE has launched a letter-writing campaign to stand against another rural school closure in Innisfree – SIGN HERE
• CUPE Alberta Spring Schools – in Canmore April 26^th – May 1^st is filling up fast but still has some openings in some workshops.
• CUPE Alberta Convention – March 18-20^th – Edmonton
• State of Emergency Health Care Crisis Stories  – over 8000 stories have been shared through our State of Emergency Campaign – read them now and sign on!
• Don’t Touch CPP – Tell Danielle Smith and the Alberta Government that Albertans have made themselves clear, we want to stay in the CPP, and we don’t want any political interference in our pensions

• Friends of Medicare continues their “An Urgent Conversation: Public Health Care” tour with Dr. Paul Parks with events in
  • Grande Prairie – Sunday March 22^nd 2:00 PM – Richmond Reception Centre
• Friends of Medicare – Stolen Time Film Screening Fort McMurray – Saturday April 11^th 7:00 PM
• Alberta Federation of Labour Fight Back Now Launch – February 28^th 1:30 – 3:00 PM – Calgary
• Alberta Federation of Labour Worker Town Hall Tour
  • Worker Agenda Townhall – Fort McMurray – March 2 – 6:00 – 8:30 PM
  • Worker Agenda Townhall – Medicine Hat – March 18 – 6:00 – 8:30 PM
  • Worker Agenda Townhall – Lethbridge – March 19 – 6:00 – 8:30 PM
• Alberta Federation of Labour Mid-Term Forum – April 24^th – 25^th – Chateau Lacome, Edmonton
• Public Interest Alberta – Annual Conference “Common Purpose, Collective Action” – May 8^th– 9^th – Barnett House Edmonton
• Public Interest Alberta – Annual Gala May 7^th 5:00 PM- Chateau Louise Hotel and Conference Centre, Edmonton
• CUPE Health and Safety Conference – May 24^th -25^th Edmonton – Delta Hotels Edmonton South Conference Centre

Week in Review

• CUPE released a press release outlining our major areas of concern with yesterday’s budget and the continued mismanagement by the UCP. Some of our key areas of concern include
  • Alberta still has the lowest funding for education of any province.
  • Property tax increase.
  • Home care costs to increase by 2%.
  • Increased taxes on hotel rooms and rental cars.
  • Twenty-seven new tax and fee increases of 10% overall.
  • An increase in certification cost for trades, including a $150 fees for Red Seal and entrance exams, where previously there was none. Previously, fees for a Blue seal were $50, trade qualifier was $60, and the apprenticeship education program was $35.
  • The UCP is creating a 5^th entity to manage health care. Health Shared Services (HSS), to centralize corporate services between its four health agencies. How is this anything other than recreating AHS after they blew it up?
  • No funding for new hospitals in Edmonton or Calgary.
  • No new funding for primary health care, even with our hospitals in crisis.
  • No funding for any new public schools.

• Alberta Municipalities put out a highly critical release of the budget, denouncing the massive increases to property taxes as well as the ongoing downloading of costs from the province to municipalities
• Treaty Chiefs of Treaty No. 6, No. 7 and No. 8 pass the first ever unanimous non-confidence vote in the Alberta government – they are decrying the government’s lack of respect for treaty rights, their refusal to denounce ongoing separatist campaigns
• Danielle Smith confirmed that the province is looking at changes to public libraries that are co-located with schools to extend the book ban imposed in 2025 on school libraries.  A further announcement from Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams is expected in the coming weeks.
• Bill 15 – the Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act has been tabled, which allowed the transfer of Alberta sheriffs to the new Alberta Sheriffs Police Service and paves the way for the new Alberta Police Service that the UCP is pushing forward, and to end the role of the RCMP.  Major concerns have been raised about the ability to recruit and train new officers in Alberta as police forces across Canada are facing significant recruitment challenges.
• The government has indicated they intend to table 17-18 pieces of legislation in the spring sitting, which in anticipated to run until May 14^th, with three weeks off for constituency weeks, some anticipated legislation is said to deal with the creation of a project delivery office, regulations for recruiters and immigration consultants, consumer protection, limits to medical assistance in dying (MAiD), and red tape reduction omnibus legislation.
• A bi-partisan committee is being struck to discuss the Forever Canadian petition. This committee will discuss whether the petition question goes to the public with the October referendums or if it is voted on in the Legislature.
• The request for an emergency debate around the state of emergency healthcare by the NDP opposition was voted down by the UCP in the Legislature
• Alberta doctors say they haven’t been consulted on the government’s new “band-aid” plan for ERs

In Solidarity,

Lyndsey Henderson (she/her)

Political Action Coordinator

Canadian Union of Public Employees

Alberta Regional Office

600 South 10130 – 112 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5K 2K4