Good afternoon,

We wish to provide an update on our ongoing negotiations with CUPE Local 2559 and current labour disruption. We know this has gone on for an extended period of time and is a very challenging situation. Having our support staff and students back in school is imperative to the success of students and the school division as a whole. 

While we remain committed to finding a solution that is agreeable to all parties, the reality does remain that we are at an impasse and are far apart on the topic of wages. 

Ministerial Order:

We know many families have questions in regards to a legal decision recently made in relation to the Ministerial Order given to Edmonton Public School Board (EPSB). 

• As directed by Alberta Education, Fort McMurray Catholic Schools submitted a formal request for an in person learning exemption when CUPE Local 2559 strike action escalated to a full withdrawal of services in early January 2025. 
• On February 20, 2025 the Province of Alberta (Kerber v Alberta) received an injunction from the Court of King’s Bench regarding the EPSB Ministerial Order. 
• We have been in frequent contact with Alberta Education regarding what this could mean to the now former Ministerial Order and were awaiting their direction.
• On the afternoon of February 26, 2025 we received a new Ministerial Order for an in person learning exemption.
  • Fort McMurray Catholic Schools is conducting a thorough review of this new order.  
  • This fulsome review will take time as we analyse the precise needs of every student. Therefore we will operate the week of March 3-7, 2025 with our current contingency plan. This means students previously in at home learning will remain in at home learning. 
  • We acknowledge that even as we work on this thorough review, we may still not have the capacity and resources available to bring more students into an in person learning environment in a safe manner without our valuable support staff in our schools during this labour stoppage. 

Our Commitment:

• Fort McMurray Roman Catholic Separate School Division remains dedicated to bargaining in good faith.
• We recognize the great value all of our support staff bring to our division and our students
• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools is continuing to explore all possible means and actions to have an expedient end to this labour dispute. 

Thank you for your grace, patience and understanding. We will continue to share updates with staff and all families when information is confirmed and can be shared. 

Fort McMurray Catholic Schools