Teachers look forward to working with new Minister

Ron Liepert named Alberta’s new Minister of Education

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is looking forward to working with Education Minister Ron Liepert, said ATA President Frank Bruseker. Liepert, MLA for Calgary West, was appointed to his new portfolio by Premier Ed Stelmach on December 15.

"I anticipate working with the new Minister to strengthen public education in Alberta," said Bruseker. "I’ve already had a conversation with the new Minister, who is looking forward to moving ahead. I take this to be a signal of his intention to work collaboratively with Alberta’s teachers."

Bruseker noted that equitable access to education emerged as a key issue during the recent leadership campaign. "Premier Stelmach emphasized the importance of education for moving the province beyond its dependency on oil and gas and guaranteeing future prosperity," he said. "Certainly this view resonates with teachers."

Bruseker also noted that teachers were pleased with Premier Stelmach’s direction for education, including his promise to allow the ATA to make its own decisions regarding the professional status of school-based administrators and their membership in the Association, and to review the school board budgeting process to ensure that funding can respond to rapid changes in student enrolment.

On the issue of the unfunded liability of the teachers’ pension plan, the Premier also promised to have the government work with the ATA to negotiate a "final, fair and lasting resolution" and asserted that the issue would not be used "as a bargaining chip in the heat of a labour dispute."

"Teachers are hopeful that Minister Liepert will work closely with their professional Association to improve public education for all Albertans," Bruseker concluded.

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