Two stories arose here in Alberta which contrasted greatly the priorities of our governing party, The UCP.

In the first case, Shane Getson, a possible local MLA, depending on which side of Hwy 16 you reside, appears on camera as it’s his job to shepherd this latest increase through committee. He was also point man for a recent increase for out of town MLAs’ rental allowances. The optics of this are terrible was the call of the NDP. The inflation pressures on Alberta citizens are the worst in Canada. Regular folks aren’t getting breaks on their rent and many aren’t getting raises. It’s worth noting that MLAs earned $120,936.00, prior to these latest increases. Our local MLA, Searle Turton as a cabinet minister makes $181,404. MLA Getson is no doubt receiving extra compensation as the chair of this committee.

The parallel story to this was the negotiations by CUPE Alberta for support workers. These are the people who help your child’s school meet the needs of every child. They include your librarian who assists children find the book that turns them into a reader and administers making the library, or Learning Commons, a school cornerstone. Administrative assistants who greet parents, children, teachers, and the community with a smile and an efficient direction are part of that. E-As who work with the children with needs from behavioural to social to learning assistance are in this negotiation. Children with the most challenges are their purview. Besides the support of children, they are often a voice of support for parents of kids with unique needs. Ask the parent of a child on the autism spectrum about their child’s EA and you will hear gratitude.

While UCP MLAs vote for increases, their finance minister belittles the latter group, EAs, by calling them part time. The Alberta poverty line is at $26,550 in 2023, slightly higher than the average salary for educational assistants.

As Shane Getson appears on my TV and rationalizes his privilege and his need for more, his party and its government starves school boards by controlling the compensation for education support. So next week, it’s possible two local school boards— Edmonton Public and Sturgeon- will be on strike. The school boards announce school will go on… but if your child has those needs that require extra… that child might be told to stay home. Maybe, those families can ask MLA Getson for more to cover the costs to the family. They could hold out their bowl to the privilege.

Two stories this week from a province whose per pupil spending is the lowest in Canada… but your MLA will get an increase to make his or her life more “equitable.”