Hundreds of Alberta students at risk of losing free school access

Hundreds of children and teens already enrolled in Alberta schools could lose free access in September as their families' immigration paperwork stalls in federal processing limbo.

Of nearly 46,000 temporary residents attending Alberta schools, potentially thousands will have study permits expiring by September 29—the day after the province's funding headcount. In the Calgary Board of Education, 680 current K-11 students have not yet provided required immigration papers, while 1,681 more students have permits expiring before the funding deadline.

Edmonton Public Schools reported about 500 students with expired or soon-to-expire permits. Edmonton Catholic School Division counted 1,493 students with expired documentation and 169 more with permits expiring before Sept. 29.

School divisions say they have staff teams working with families to obtain necessary records. The timing creates an added layer of pressure: Alberta is preparing to hold voter referendums on whether public funds should support social services for temporary residents, including K-12 education.

Lorraine Kinsman, director of programs at the Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth, said the situation is deeply troubling. "I'm just horrified that children are going to be negatively impacted by an adult-made policy," she said, adding that denying undocumented children school access will cost society more in the long term through lost development and later disenfranchisement.

Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said individuals are responsible for renewing paperwork and urged the federal government to process renewals quickly. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada declined to comment on school finances, citing education as a provincial responsibility.