The Anglican Diocese of Edmonton is expressing concerns about the Alberta government’s use of the notwithstanding clause to force striking teachers back to work.
Bishop Stephen London wrote an open letter this week that was published online.
In it, he said it is not his intention to wade into partisan political debate, but he believes the legislation has the potential to threaten the religious freedoms of Canadians.
London said using the clause to end the teachers’ strike goes against the Charter right to freedom of association.
He said denying one group’s fundamental rights has deeper implications that could interfere with people’s freedom of conscience and religion.
Last week, the United Conservative Party government invoked the notwithstanding clause to fast-track back-to-work legislation and end a provincewide teachers strike that began Oct. 6.
London said he wants Premier Danielle Smith to remove the legislation and allow teachers to continue to bargain collectively.
“This was a significant decision that goes beyond normal politics,” he wrote in his open letter.
“My concern is moral and spiritual.”
London said democratic rights and freedoms are central to Canadians’ lives and “are essential to us being able to call ourselves a free society.”
“In a time when democratic institutions around the world are becoming fragile, I believe it would be wise to step back from this action.”
Alberta using notwithstanding clause to force teachers back to work
Heather Jenkins, Justice Minister Mickey Amery’s press secretary, said Tuesday the notwithstanding clause is a key tool available to governments to ensure that there is a balance of power between courts and democratically elected governments.
“Using the notwithstanding clause in this unique case preserves the sovereignty of the legislature to act in the public interest,” she said.
“Alberta’s government did not make this decision lightly and believes it is in the public interest that students return to the classroom.”
The Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton did not immediately respond to questions about whether it shares London’s concerns.
