Frequently Asked Questions
The most important thing you can do right now is help spread the word.
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Share the sign-up form with anyone who supports keeping funding for independent schools.
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Post it on social media and share it in your networks.
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Encourage Alberta residents who are Canadian citizens and over 18 to sign up, since they will be able to vote if this reaches a referendum.
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Talk about it at local clubs, community groups, church gatherings, events, and sporting activities.
Every person who signs up strengthens our ability to vote no and protect independent school funding.
Why aren’t you making an official petition?
​Because a petition cannot stop what is already in motion.
Alicia Taylor, a Calgary teacher who sits on the ATA’s Provincial Executive Council, has already filed the official citizen-initiated referendum application with Elections Alberta. Her proposed question is:
“Should the government of Alberta end its current practice of allocating public funds to accredited independent (private) schools?”
The applicable legislation prohibits the filing of an application that would result in a conflict with the outcome of Alicia Taylor’s application. However, voting “no” to Alicia Taylor’s application can stop this petition. By signing up and staying connected, we will be ready to vote “no” and protect funding for independent schools if this reaches a referendum.
How can I help?
You can read the official rules for citizen-initiated referendums on the Elections Alberta website. These rules exist under the Citizen Initiative Act, and they explain how applications are reviewed, how signatures can be collected, and what happens if a referendum is approved. We encourage families to read the legislation so they understand the process and what stage this initiative is currently in.
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Where can I read the full referendum legislation?
What happens if the referendum passes?
If the referendum passes, the government would be required to end public funding for accredited independent (private) schools. This would have significant consequences:
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Many independent schools would face major financial strain and could be forced to raise tuition or close.
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Families who rely on these schools would lose affordable options and face fewer educational choices.
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Homeschooling boards connected to independent schools could lose funding and support services.
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Class sizes in public schools would increase as more students are pushed back into the system.
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Taxpayers would be forced to foot the bill for additional costs as students entering the public system cost more than if they had been able to stay at independent schools.
Passing this referendum would dramatically reduce educational choice in Alberta. That’s why it is important for families to stay informed and be ready to vote no if this reaches a referendum.
If the referendum fails, funding for accredited independent schools remains in place. Families keep their educational choices, schools stay stable, and homeschooling boards that rely on independent-school funding continue to operate as they do now. A strong no vote protects these options and ensures independent schools can continue serving Alberta families.
Students First Alberta is a community-led effort focused on protecting educational choice in our province. Our goal is to keep parents informed, defend funding for accredited independent schools, and ensure families continue to have real options that fit their children’s needs. We are not tied to any political party or institution. We believe families, not bureaucracies or special interest groups, should decide what kind of education is best for their kids.
Yes. If funding is removed from accredited independent schools, homeschoolers will be affected as well. Many homeschool boards rely on independent school funding to provide support services, resources, facilitator visits, and funding for learning materials. If this referendum passes, these supports could be reduced or eliminated, making homeschooling more difficult and more expensive for families.