Alberta delays school flag policy to clarify rules after confusion over restrictions
Premier Smith pushed back the September implementation to January, citing concerns that overzealous compliance could produce 'unintended consequences.'
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Alberta's planned restrictions on flags in schools will not take effect until January, giving the province time to develop clearer guidance and avoid unintended consequences, Premier Danielle Smith said Saturday.
The new rules, originally targeted for September, will limit which flags can be displayed in school buildings. Smith said the province needs a couple more months to define what types of flags would be restricted, what exemptions might apply, and how schools should implement the policy to avoid what she called "vicious compliance."
"Sometimes when you put a policy in place, in an abundance of caution, everybody implements it in a way that has vicious compliance. People get angry and it's not what we intended," Smith said on her call-in radio show.
The government announced earlier this month it was postponing adoption of new school policies, including the flag restrictions. Other proposed changes announced last spring include prohibiting school boards from issuing statements on political and social topics, and requiring "neutral and impartial" learning environments. Smith did not indicate whether other policy changes would also face delays.
Smith cited confusion around what flags would be permitted. She pointed to a school in her riding of Brooks-Medicine Hat that displays home-country flags of students arriving from outside Canada — a practice she wants to preserve. "I don't want that display taken down. That's not hurting anybody. It's actually important for the celebration of the community," she said.
Draft regulations obtained by Postmedia indicate sports team flags would be permitted, though Smith indicated Saturday that schools would need to seek exemptions. According to the draft, flags allowed on school property include Alberta and Canada flags, as well as civic and municipal flags. Treaty flags and national foreign country flags may be displayed for a maximum of 14 consecutive school days if related to instruction or a ceremonial event. The draft made no mention of pride flags.
Alberta Teachers' Association president Jason Schilling welcomed the delay, saying it should allow consultation with partners to provide clear guidance. "Teachers have raised questions about what the new flag restrictions mean for symbols that help students feel seen and included, including Indigenous, Métis, Francophone and pride flags," Schilling said.
Which flags, beyond those listed in the draft regulation, will require exemptions?
What input will the government seek from school boards and teachers during the consultation period?
If schools have implemented early versions of these restrictions, will those decisions be reversed during the clarification period?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
When will Alberta's school flag restrictions take effect?
Alberta's planned restrictions on flags in schools will take effect in January, after being delayed from the original September implementation date.
What flags are allowed to be displayed in Alberta schools according to the draft regulations?
Alberta and Canada flags, civic and municipal flags are permitted year-round. Treaty flags and national foreign country flags may be displayed for a maximum of 14 consecutive school days if related to instruction or a ceremonial event. Sports team flags would be permitted, though schools would need to seek exemptions.
Why did Premier Smith delay the flag policy?
Premier Danielle Smith cited the need to develop clearer guidance and define what types of flags would be restricted, what exemptions might apply, and how schools should implement the policy to avoid "vicious compliance" and unintended consequences.
