More than 20,000 Albertans assembled in the province's two largest cities Sunday, with many holding flags or picket signs as they chanted for greater government support for public education.
The rallies come a day before Alberta's 51,000 teachers are set to strike. If the teachers' union and provincial government are unable to reach an eleventh-hour deal, Monday will mark the first provincewide teachers' strike in Alberta history.
"Public education is a foundation of a strong democratic society," Heather Quinn, president of ATA Local 37, which represents Edmonton public school teachers, said during a speech on the Legislature's steps.
"We ask everyone in Alberta to not only speak up, stand up, but now fight for the future of public education, so our children, our families and future generations will have equitable access to education in Alberta," Quinn said.
The Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) and the provincial government have been deadlocked for more than a month
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