Alberta judge blocks order keeping special needs kids out of class during strike

An Alberta judge has granted an injunction to block a ministerial order that has prevented children with special needs from attending school as a support strike drags on.

More than 4,000 support staff, from educational assistants to cafeteria workers, have been on strike since mid-January over a wage dispute with the Edmonton Public School Board.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides issued an order exempting the board from providing in-person learning to students with complex needs during the strike.

A group of parents and guardians took the province to court over the order, saying more than 3,700 children are being discriminated against by not being allowed to attend classes in person.

The judge says the minister has until Feb. 27 to consider a new ministerial order.

Canadian Union of Public Employees president Rory Gill says the union is pleased with the decision, calling the minister’s order “unjust and cruel.”