Alberta government bans school mask mandates, restricts online learning

Alberta government bans school mask mandates, restricts online learning

Alberta has banned all K-12 school authorities and early childhood learning operators from implementing mask mandates and pivoting to online-only learning.

On Thursday, it passed two orders in council with immediate effect to prevent any school or early learning operator from denying a child access to classes if they are not wearing a face mask or covering.

In addition, any education program operator that moves to learn online must provide an option for in-person instruction. AdrianaLaGrange, education minister, said she heard parents and students alike want “stability” and “clarity” in their learning options.

“Securing a face-to-face classroom environment means students can continue to learn successfully while allowing their parents to go to work,” LaGrange said.