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105th Annual Representative Assembly to take place in downtown Calgary
For the first time since 2019, the ATA’s Annual Representative Assembly will take place in person.
Traditionally held over the May long weekend, the annual meeting brings together teachers from across the province to debate ATA policy and set the annual budget. For the past two years the event has been held virtually due to public health restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year the event is scheduled to take place at a hotel in downtown Calgary.
Compared to previous in-person ARAs, some new restrictions will be in place to ensure the safety of all delegates, said associate executive secretary Robert Mazzotta.
“As this will be the first large gathering for many delegates, not everyone will have the same comfort level with being among many people,” Mazzotta said. “We’re asking delegates to be patient and kind with each other.”
New for this year’s ARA:
- Mask-wearing will be mandatory in all sessions, except if a valid medical exemption has been provided in advance. Delegates will each be provided with one K–95 mask.
- Food will not be permitted in the ballroom, only beverages.
ATA officials continue to monitor the Covid situation and are prepared to move ARA to a completely online event should the pandemic worsen significantly or if new protective measures are imposed by the chief medical officer of health.
“We’re planning as if in-person is going to happen, but we also have a contingency plan in place, and we will implement that if necessary,” Mazzotta said. ❚
The ATA’s Annual Representative Assembly will take place in-person in Calgary over the May long weekend. The event has taken place virtually for the past two years.
What is ARA?
The Annual Representative Assembly (ARA), or the parliament of the Association, is made up of 500 delegates from locals and the 20 members of the Association’s executive body (Provincial Executive Council). ARA establishes policy, approves the Association’s budget and sets fees for the various categories of membership. The 105th Annual Representative Assembly (ARA) will take place in downtown Calgary from May 21 to 23.
