ATA opposes immigration referendum questions targeting public education
Teachers' association says child's immigration status should not determine access to Alberta's publicly funded schools.
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Alberta's teachers' union is opposing any immigration referendum questions that could restrict access to public education.
The Alberta Teachers' Association, representing 51,000 educators, released a statement Tuesday through president Jason Schilling saying a child's immigration status should not determine whether they can access Alberta's provincially funded schools.
"Children do not choose their immigration status, and they should not be denied an education because of it," Schilling said. "Every child in Alberta deserves access to publicly funded education. Period."
On October 19, Albertans will vote on 10 referendum questions — five will focus on immigration. If the majority votes in favour, Premier Danielle Smith's UCP government would have the mandate to make key changes to who can access publicly funded systems including education and health care. It could also result in certain immigrants being charged a premium for these services.
Schilling raised concerns about school staff potentially being forced to act as immigration authorities. He cited Canada's commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, both of which recognize education as a right for every child.
"This should not be a political question. It is a commitment every Albertan should be proud to uphold," Schilling said.