Frequently Asked Questions
We recognize this is a difficult time for the Lethbridge School Division community. Below are answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding teacher job action that may be helpful. As the situation evolves, answers to these questions may change.
UPDATE - Oct. 3, 2025
We are confirming that a strike involving members of the Alberta Teachers’ Association will begin on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. The means:
o All classes are cancelled
o Students will not attend in person or online
o There will be no instruction, supervision or extracurricular activities
o Please do not send your child to school
o Please do not leave your child at a bus stop at the beginning of the day.
Will schools provide childcare or student supervision during the day over the course of the strike?
· The Division is not able to provide childcare or any student supervision during a strike.
· Although Lethbridge School Division does not operate childcare services, some schools lease space to independent childcare providers. These providers are separate from the Division and make their own decisions. Some providers may continue to offer services during a strike. Families should contact their childcare provider directly for more information.
· The government recently announced a plan to provide families with children 12 and under with financial support in the case of a full strike. The government will provide details regarding this support when appropriate.
Will students receive any learning materials or resources during the strike?
· The Division has provided links to resources that parents can use to support student learning during a strike. Please note, these resources are not a replacement for classroom instruction and curriculum. They are resources that can augment learning during a strike. Resources can be found here: RESOURCES.
· The Government of Alberta has also provided a website parents can use during a strike: PARENT SUPPORTS.
· Teachers are not expected to provide instruction, learning resources or materials during a strike.
How long will the strike last?
· We don’t know how long the strike will last. We hope that both sides can return to bargaining as soon as possible to reach an agreement.
How can I communicate with my child’s school during job action?
· Schools will have limited staff and doors will remain locked. If your child has forgotten something at school, please call the school office for assistance. We respectfully ask that you do not call schools for job action updates. We need to keep the phones clear for urgent matters.
How will the Division deal with fees for activities disrupted by job action?
· The Division is aware many families may have already paid for school-based activities and events such as field trips. Once we know the length of the labour disruption, we will address instances where fees need to be reimbursed to families due to activities or trips being cancelled or substantially diminished.
How is student access to Division software and applications being managed throughout job action?
· For the duration of the job action, the Division will be deactivating TEAMS, along with the Lethbridge School Division Moodle. This decision was made after careful consideration due to concerns over student safety, security and privacy, along with a lack of teacher supervision of student use of these platforms. It should be noted, students will still have access to the suite of programs offered through Office 365, which includes their OneDrive, Microsoft Word and other Microsoft applications.
Are principals and vice-principals part of the strike?
· Yes, principals, vice-principals and teachers are all members of the ATA and would be on strike.
Will the school year be extended due to a strike?
· In the past when there has been labour disruption, schools have adjusted their schedules to make sure they have met instructional hours without having to go into summer. We won’t know if time will need to be made up until we know how long the strike lasts. Please know we are committed to ensuring students get the instruction they need.
How will families be informed of updates?
· We will update our Labour Relations website when relevant information becomes available. The Division may also communicate directly via SchoolMessenger and/or update the Division website and social media platforms when appropriate.
What is the Division’s role in bargaining?
· Lethbridge School Division and the Local ATA are not directly involved in negotiations. Bargaining is currently happening at the provincial level. This is a process between:
o The Alberta Teachers’ Association representing Alberta’s teachers
o The Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA) representing the Government of Alberta and all public, separate and Francophone school divisions.
· Provincial bargaining covers items such as teacher salaries and benefits, which are negotiated through a provincial collective agreement, rather than through individual school boards.
Will teachers be locked out?
· In early September, the Alberta Labour Relations Board granted the Teachers’ Employer Bargaining Association (TEBA – the group responsible for negotiating with Alberta teachers) authority to lock teacher out if necessary. Seeking a lockout mandate is a legislated part of the bargaining process and is a common response to a strike vote. Even though TEBA has authorization for a lockout, this does not mean it will be used. In this context, our understanding is a lockout would only be used if job action creates operational concerns for school divisions.
Community supports
· We have provided a summary of supports and services available in our city below. This list is not comprehensive and may have some inaccuracies or outdated information. The best way to get accurate, up to date information in each of these areas is to contact the organization directly.
Access Addictions & Mental Health (Recovery Alberta - Formerly AHS)
Contact info : 1-888-594-0211 (M-F 8:30-4:30) 24/7 - Addiction & Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303 2642
Services: Provides a single point of access for individuals of all ages residing in South zone who have addiction and/or mental health concerns. Access Addiction & Mental Health (AAMH) is the access point for non-urgent addiction and mental health (AMH) information and services. Callers requiring access to an AMH service will be screened, triaged, and provided with a first appointment booking, or will be provided with information on appropriate community resources. Callers should be prepared to spend 30-45 minutes with a mental health therapist staff, to complete the screening and intake process.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Lethbridge Contact Info: 403-329-4775 (Lethbridge) Website: CMHA Lethbridge Home - CMHA Lethbridge
Services: CMHA provides mental health resources and programs such as peer support, counseling, wellness workshops, and educational initiatives. They focus on promoting mental health and preventing mental illness.
Additional: Distress Line of Southwestern Alberta: 403-327-7905 or Toll Free: 1-888-787-2880 Operated by CMHA – Southwestern
Mental Health Helpline: Call 211 or 1-877-303-2642 or text 988
Services: The Distress Line of Southwestern Alberta is a 24-Hour phone support for Individuals experiencing a crisis. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone. The trained staff of the Distress Line, operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association, will listen, and if you like to know what services or options are available to you, they can refer you to the right agency. 24 hours, 7 days a week telephone support for people who are in distress and require support, intervention and/or information and referral services.
Additional: Crisis Intervention; Team Triage line (403) 381-1116.
Services: The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta South Region’s Crisis Intervention Team provides service 7 days a week to defuse crisis situations and offer assessment, intervention, referrals and links to community agencies for ongoing, longer-term support. Individuals within Lethbridge may refer themselves or be referred by doctors, hospitals, police, or local agencies. The Crisis Intervention Team will provide support by telephone or in-person within the City of Lethbridge, and assists with longer-term follow-up and support services through:
1. Coordination of treatment and community support services following emergency/crisis presentation.
2. Consultation with police, emergency medical staff, agencies and individuals for referrals to appropriate support systems
3. Improvement of access to services and support systems through cooperation and collaboration among other services agencies
4. Provision of education in-service to agencies and the public on various mental health and crisis related issues
Lethbridge Family Services (LFS) Contact Info: 403-327-5724 Website: Lethbridge Family Services Lethbridge Family Services
Services: LFS offers a variety of social and mental health services, including family therapy, youth counseling, and a variety of community support programs. They also have a specialized program for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline Phone: 9-8-8 (Call or text) Website: 988.ca Get Help | 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline
Services: offers support that is: bilingual, trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, available to anyone in Canada
Crisis Text Line (Canada)
Text: 741741 Website: Crisis Text Line
Services: This is a free, confidential texting service available 24/7 for anyone in crisis. Trained counselors will text with you to provide support.
Kids Help Phone Phone: 1-800-668-6868 Text: 686868 Website: Kids Help Phone Get support with these mental health resources - Kids Help Phone
Services: This service provides confidential online and telephone counseling for youth and children. They offer emotional support and guidance for a variety of issues, including mental health and bullying.
Peer Support and Social Support Groups
Lethbridge Peer Support Group Many community organizations in Lethbridge offer peer support groups. These are especially helpful for people dealing with similar mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and grief. LFS, CMHA, and other local organizations often host peer-led groups.
Local Faith-Based Support Groups
Many churches and faith-based organizations in Lethbridge offer support groups, counseling, and social programs. These might be a good option if you're looking for a more community-based or spiritual support system.
Addiction and Substance Use Support
Access Addiction & Mental Health - Central Access and Triage
Contact Info: 1-888-594-2011 or 403-592-2925 (8:30-4:30 M-F)
Services: Provides a single point of access for individuals of all ages residing in South zone who have addiction and /or mental health concerns. Access Addiction & Mental Health (AAMH) is the access point for non-urgent addiction and mental health (AMH) information and services. Callers requiring access to an AMH service will be screened, triaged, and provided with a first appointment booking, or will be provided with information on appropriate community resources. Callers should be prepared to spend 30-45 minutes with a mental health therapist staff, to complete the screening and intake process.
Al-Anon and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
These groups provide peer support for individuals struggling with addiction, as well as their families and loved ones. They have local chapters in Lethbridge. Al-Anon Lethbridge: Find meetings here: https://al-anon.ab.ca/meetings/
NA Chinook Area: Lethbridge: 1-877-463-3537
Online Resources
Mind Your Mind Website: Mind Your Mind mindyourmind | Youth Mental Health Resources Offers a variety of online tools, resources, and interactive programs to help young people manage mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression.
BounceBack (Mental Health Program) Website: BounceBack BounceBack® | Reclaim your health - CMHA Alberta Division and Centre for Suicide Prevention This is a free, skill-building program that helps individuals manage low mood, stress, and anxiety. It's run by the Canadian Mental Health Association and is available for residents of Alberta.
Emergency Mental Health Services
Lethbridge Regional Hospital (Emergency Department)
o In case of severe mental health crises (e.g., suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety or panic attacks), you can go to the emergency department at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital or call 911. Phone: 403-388-6000