Bill 25: An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms and Amend the Education Act, 2026
Bill Sponsor: Nicolaides
Bill Type: Government Bills
Amendments: No
Money Bill: No
Documents Bill 25
First Reading
March 31, 2026 passed 1329
Second Reading
April 14, 2026 adjourned 1465-71
April 15, 2026 adjourned 1499-1504
April 23, 2026 adjourned 1647-51
5/3/2026 9:05 PM
WHO GAINS POWER
- The Minister gains authority to approve or reject superintendent employment contracts before boards can sign them — with a 60-day window to decide
- The Minister gains authority to approve or reject school building names and renames before boards can proceed
- The Lieutenant Governor in Council gains power to set "provincial strategic priorities" for the education system by regulation — without a vote each time priorities change
- The Minister gains power to transfer ownership of board-owned real property to the Crown with 45 days' notice — and determines what criteria trigger that transfer by regulation
- The Minister gains authority over which flags (beyond Canadian and Alberta flags) may be displayed at schools — all other flags require Ministerial approval
- The Minister gains authority over how and when the national anthem is played at schools
WHO LOSES POWER
- School boards lose autonomy over superintendent hiring — all contracts require prior Ministerial approval
- School boards lose autonomy over school building names — all naming decisions require Ministerial approval
- School boards lose the ability to display flags beyond the Canadian and Alberta flags without Ministerial permission
- School boards lose real property without expropriation process — the transfer is explicitly excluded from the Expropriation Act and cannot be challenged in court
- Boards are prohibited from issuing political, social or ideological statements not directly related to their obligations under the Act
WHO GAINS MONEY
- Boards receive payment when real property is transferred to the Crown — at net book value or a higher amount set by regulation
WHO LOSES MONEY
- Boards lose real property assets — at a price determined by the Minister's own regulations, not independent valuation
THE CATCH
- ⚠️ "Provincial strategic priorities" are set by regulation — the Lieutenant Governor in Council can change them at any time without a legislative vote
- ⚠️ Property transfer criteria are set by regulation — the Minister decides what triggers a forced transfer; those criteria can change without a vote
- ⚠️ The transfer is explicitly not an expropriation — boards have no recourse under the Expropriation Act or common law, removing standard legal protections
- ⚠️ "Safe and caring environment" replaces "welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity" — the language shift removes explicit references to diversity and belonging throughout the Act
- ⚠️ Boards cannot require employees to participate in exercises or affirm statements inconsistent with their conscientious, political, social or ideological beliefs — unless it's part of an approved course or religious instruction
- The national anthem must be played at least once per week — opt-out requires a written request from a parent (for students) or the employee themselves