How the LPFA Is Responding to Bill 2
Hello Faculty,
As many of you are aware, on October 28, 2025, Alberta’s Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) voted to invoke the notwithstanding clause (Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms), a mechanism that allows governments to suspend certain Charter-protected rights for up to five years.
The use of the notwithstanding clause in this context represents a significant departure from democratic norms and from the principles of transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making that should guide public governance. This decision was made without public consultation, without any declared emergency, and without clear justification for overriding fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to all Canadians. It shields legislation from judicial review and limits citizens’ ability to challenge government action through the courts; a cornerstone of our constitutional democracy.
Many Albertans, including members of the academic and public service communities, are concerned about the erosion of checks and balances, the integrity of representative government, and the duty of elected officials to act in the public interest rather than along party lines.
What are we doing?
The legislation was passed early Tuesday morning, and the Lethbridge Polytechnic Faculty Association (LPFA) are still in the early stages of understanding both the short- and long-term impacts. We want to ensure that our messaging to members is accurate and complete, rather than rushed or speculative. The full implications of this legislation are being reviewed collaboratively by the Faculty Association, ACIFA, other unions, legal advisors, and affected groups across the province.
In the meantime, we convened an emergency Executive Council meeting to gather input from representatives across our membership, assess the immediate concerns being raised, and begin coordinating a thoughtful, unified response. The discussion focused on understanding how this development may affect faculty both personally and professionally, as well as identifying ways the Association can support members during this period of uncertainty.
Seth Adema, LPFA President, has also reached out to the Lethbridge Polytechnic Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to request a meeting aimed at clarifying the institution’s interpretation of this legislation and its potential impact on campus operations. Establishing this dialogue is an important step in ensuring that both the Association and the institution share a clear understanding of the situation and remain aligned in prioritizing the well-being of our faculty community.
It is important to emphasize that the Faculty Association negotiated in good faith the Collective Agreement that was ratified in the spring. Lethbridge Polytechnic was not responsible for the introduction of Bill 2, and it would not serve members’ interests to take any form of job action against the institution. Our goal is to respond thoughtfully, strategically, and in alignment with members’ best interests.
What can you do?
At this time, we will not be asking faculty to participate in any job action. Instead, we are focused on gathering accurate information and evidence so that members can make informed decisions about how they wish to proceed.
However, for faculty and staff who wish to hold their elected representatives accountable, there are formal avenues available. We encourage you to use your democratic right to civic participation and protest.
Join the Alberta Federation of Labour’s “Ready to Resist” network by texting RESIST to 55255 or visiting afl.org/action-pages/resist to receive updates on coordinated actions and events.
Under Alberta’s Conflicts of Interest Act (C-23), citizens may file a written complaint if an MLA’s conduct appears to misuse office, ignore constituent representation, or serve partisan interests over public duty. 📄 A template letter and detailed instructions for submitting a complaint to the Ethics Commissioner of Alberta is provided below for those who wish to take formal action by writing directly to the Commissioner.
Template 1 and Template 2
Request a lawn sign from Public Interest Alberta to show your support for protecting public rights and accountability. We have a limited number of lawn signs that you can pick up at the Faculty Association office already.
Engage in symbolic acts of solidarity, including wearing Red for Ed.
Contact Nathan Neudorf Lethbridge East MLA
Constituency Phone: 403.320.1011
Legislature Phone: 780.643.1034
As educators, we understand the power of informed action and the importance of standing together when fundamental principles are at stake. The events of this week remind us that democracy is not self sustaining; it depends on citizens who are willing to question, to engage, and to hold their representatives accountable.
The LPFA remains committed to protecting the rights, voices, and professional integrity of our members. We will continue to communicate developments as they emerge and advocate for transparency, fairness, and respect for the democratic process.
In moments like this, collective awareness and solidarity matter most. Thank you for your ongoing professionalism, courage, and commitment to both your students and your community.
In solidarity,
Lethbridge Polytechnic Faculty Association Executive Leadership Team
