Know This: Edition #8

In this edition

• Alberta teachers ordered back to class

• School cellphone bans spark debate

• Families feeling the pinch of food insecurity

• Blue Jays’ bittersweet World Series finish

• A classic Canadian treat: Butter tarts

A Word from the ParentsCanada Team

Staying on top of the news isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about understanding the choices, challenges and opportunities shaping our lives every day. Some headlines are difficult to process and some make us pause, but all of them matter for what we want for our kids and our communities. Our team is right there in the trenches with you. That’s why we keep Know This real, relevant and dialled into Canadian families.

Let’s get started with this month’s roundup.

Jane Bradley
President, ParentsCanada

THE BIG STORY

Teachers Forced Back to Class in Alberta

What's Happening

Alberta teachers went on strike in October 2025 because of frustration with classroom conditions, salaries, a lack of progress on reducing class sizes and a call to improve support for students with complex needs. Teachers reported rising class sizes (some with more than 40 students), stagnant wages, underfunded schools and a government unwilling to include student–teacher ratio caps in negotiations. The strike was driven by demands for more professional consideration, better compensation and meaningful improvements in public education.

In November 2025, after several weeks of missed school, Alberta’s government made national headlines by invoking the controversial “notwithstanding clause” to end the province-wide strike, sending more than 750,000 students back to class. Other provincial governments, unions and parent groups across Canada are now weighing in, wondering if they might soon face similar shutdowns—or similar government interventions—in their own schools.

What You Need to Know

The government’s decision to override legal challenges sped up the return to classrooms, ending the tense standoff. Political leaders in Saskatchewan have publicly expressed support for Alberta’s move, framing it as decisive action to prioritise students. But unions in several provinces warn that this could set a troubling precedent—if teachers go on strike elsewhere, governments might be quicker to intervene. Many educators feel their bargaining power has taken a hit, while parents are left to balance relief with questions about long-term teacher support and the future of public education.

Why This Matters to Families

It’s the classic parent dilemma: You want school routines back for your children, but you also want teachers supported so kids can thrive. No matter your province, what just happened in Alberta could rewrite the playbook for all of Canada, making this more than a local story. Every family depends on reliable schools, and how we handle these labour disputes shapes the classroom experience for millions of students.

THE EXPLAINER

School Cellphone Bans: What’s Changing?

What’s Happening

Across the country, more provinces are banning or limiting cellphone use in classrooms, announcing policies designed to cut distractions and address mental health concerns. While some schools have adopted strict no-phone rules, others are piloting “away for the day” programs or allowing use only at lunch.

What You Need to Know

Policies differ everywhere. Some bans apply only to elementary grades, while others target all ages. In some areas, parents may be expected to sign agreements or come to school to have their child’s phone released to them, while other schools will return confiscated phones at the end of the day.

There’s broad agreement that phones have become a major classroom stressor, but less consensus on how best to manage them. Some experts and advocacy groups worry the new rules aren’t as straightforward as they sound, pointing out that phones are still needed for medical or emergency use. They also stress the importance of teaching kids to be responsible with tech habits, rather than just removing the temptation altogether.

Why It Matters to Families

Whether your kids are glued to their phones or not, these policies affect every student, with the goal of making schools more focused and less stressful. But parents should expect some confusion, as rules may vary by district and exceptions are still being worked out. Ultimately, kids need guidance, not just new rules.

THE HOT BUTTON

Families Are Feeling the Impact of Food Insecurity

What’s Happening

Food Banks Canada and Ottawa Public Health recently released new data showing a record number of families visiting food banks this fall, as the cost of groceries—especially infant formula and fresh produce—continues to rise. Nearly one in four parents reported skipping meals or cutting portions to make sure their children have enough to eat.

• In 2024, 25.5% of people in Canada—about 10 million, including 2.5 million children—lived in food-insecure households, the highest level in nearly two decades of monitoring.

• Food bank visits have doubled since 2019, with almost 2.2 million visits recorded in March 2025 alone.

• One-third of food bank clients are children, translating to around 712,000 monthly visits by children in 2025.

What You Need to Know

Rising inflation and gaps in social support mean most food banks are overwhelmed, with families often waiting in line or travelling farther to access help. Community organisations are sounding the alarm and urging all levels of government to do more. If you or someone you know needs extra support, local food banks have new online resources to help people navigate extra benefits or meal programs.

Why It Matters to Families

Making sure kids are fed isn’t just a low-income concern—it’s affecting households of all kinds. For parents, this often means tough choices: less healthy food, more stress and more uncertainty about tomorrow’s lunch. If your family—or another you know—is feeling the squeeze, you’re not alone. The issue highlights a growing call to action for better support.

Families who want to help fight food insecurity in Canada can:

• Donate funds or food. Monetary donations to local food banks and organizations like Food Banks Canada go the furthest, since every dollar can provide up to two nutritious meals. Food donations are also appreciated—especially staples like canned soup, pasta, baby formula and healthy snacks—but it’s best to check first for what’s needed most.

• Volunteer your time. Many food banks and community kitchens rely on volunteers to sort food, pack hampers, deliver meals or help with events. Families, workplaces and teens earning volunteer hours are all welcome.

• Advocate or fundraise. Start a neighbourhood food drive, host a fundraiser or speak up for stronger poverty reduction policies. Sharing credible information and contacting elected officials helps build public support for better solutions.

THE CHATTER

The Blue Jays Bring Canada Together

The Toronto Blue Jays’ season came to a dramatic close on November 1 with a heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series. After eleven tense innings, the Jays fell just short of a storybook ending, leaving fans across Canada disappointed but proud of their team’s historic playoff run.

Despite missing out on the championship, the Blue Jays played their best baseball of the decade—uniting families, stirring up pride from coast to coast to coast and prompting countless late-night watch parties. Many key players now face uncertain futures with off-season trades and contract negotiations ahead (please stay, Bo!), but ultimately, the Blue Jays made history and continue to build a legacy for generations of fans, old and new.

THE TREAT

The Iconic Butter Tart

Because even 13 days later, we’re still soothing our World Series sorrows. There’s no better—or more Canadian—comfort food than the always-awesome butter tart. Tap the button below for the recipe.

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This month’s newsletter was written by Jane Bradley, edited by Katie Dupuis and designed by Tinker Solution.