Premier Smith to announce support for overcrowded classrooms

Premier Danielle Smith is set to deliver a televised address this evening, where she will unveil a plan to support school classrooms facing pressure from an influx of new families.

Smith stated that her United Conservative Party government was caught off guard by the number of people who moved to Alberta last year.

Alberta's population grew by over 200,000 people in 2023-24, and Smith noted that every school in the province is now dealing with capacity challenges.

The government pledged an additional $215 million over the summer to fund more modular classrooms and hire additional teachers.

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The televised address will air on Global and CTV and stream online at 6:50 p.m.