3.11.2025

"Alberta Enforces Notwithstanding Clause Amid Teacher Strike"

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed… Alberta passes bill to use notwithstanding clause to end teacher strike Premier Danielle Smith’s government has passed a bill using the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to order 51,000 striking teachers back to work to end the largest walkout in Alberta history

The Canadian Press has provided an update on several significant stories affecting Canada. Here are the key highlights:

Alberta Government Utilizes Notwithstanding Clause to End Teacher Strike

In a historic move, Premier Danielle Smith's government in Alberta has passed a bill invoking the Charter's notwithstanding clause to mandate that 51,000 striking teachers return to work. This decision marks the end of the largest teacher strike in Alberta's history. The majority party in the legislature expedited the passage of this bill, completing all three debate stages within six and a half hours during the late hours of October 28, 2025. The Alberta Teachers' Association, along with other unions, is currently exploring their options for response, considering the government's use of the notwithstanding clause in labor disputes to pose a serious threat to workers' rights to negotiate.

Prime Minister Carney's Focus on Investment in Asia

Prime Minister Mark Carney continued his official trip to Asia by visiting Singapore on October 28, 2025. The Prime Minister aims to promote Canada as a stable trading partner for Southeast Asia and an attractive destination for foreign investment. During his stay, Carney held a series of private meetings with potential investment partners, including discussions with the head of the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, a sovereign wealth fund that already has investments in Canada. The Prime Minister's Office indicated that the focus of these discussions includes sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), clean technology, critical minerals, and nation-building projects within Canada.

Thomas Lukaszuk to Reveal Alberta Petition Signatures

Former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk is set to announce the results of his petition aimed at keeping Alberta within Canada. His campaign, titled “Forever Canadian,” was launched three months ago with the goal of gathering nearly 300,000 signatures on a petition asking, "Do you agree that Alberta should remain within Canada?" Lukaszuk has expressed optimism ahead of delivering the signed petitions to Elections Alberta and plans to unveil the final tally of signatures collected.

Concerns Over Russian Tankers in the Arctic

Canada has raised alarms regarding over 400 unregistered vessels, often referred to as shadow vessels, that are smuggling Russian oil to evade Western sanctions. This situation has arisen following Russia's imposition of international sanctions due to its invasion of Ukraine, prompting the utilization of unregistered ships or those registered in other countries. Canadian officials, along with European allies, have voiced concerns that these unregulated tankers, which lack proper insurance and adhere to low safety standards, could pose a significant pollution risk to waterways, necessitating costly cleanup efforts.

World Series: Jays Face Ohtani

In a highly anticipated matchup, the Toronto Blue Jays are preparing to face the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, who will start on the mound in Game 4 of the World Series on the night of October 28, 2025. Ohtani's performance is critical as the Dodgers seek to secure a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series following a dramatic win in Game 3, which concluded with a walk-off home run from Freddie Freeman in the 18th inning. Meanwhile, Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer was sidelined in the seventh inning after suffering an injury. The Jays must secure a win in either Game 4 or 5 to prolong the series back to Toronto.

KPop Demon Hunters Trend for Halloween

This Halloween, the animated series “KPop Demon Hunters” has emerged as a popular choice among children looking for costumes. Eight-year-old Betsy Schruder is among the many kids who have decided to dress up as characters from the Netflix hit, opting for the vibrant attire of the popstar and demon slayer. Spirit Halloween has identified “KPop Demon Hunters” as this year’s trendiest costume, indicating a strong cultural impact. Additionally, Netflix is capitalizing on Halloween festivities by hosting special sing-a-long showings of the animated film in theaters across the U.S. and Canada from October 31 to November 2.