October 4, 2025

Important Update Regarding Labour Action 

On October 28, Back-to-work legislation was passed by the government to end labour action and bring Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) members back to schools. To ensure a smooth transition back to school, schools and school boards are primarily focusing on in-class instruction, and learning outcomes for students.  

We recognize the emotional and practical toll it has taken on teachers, students and families.

The Alberta Debate and Speech Association is committed to the development of youth in the areas of Critical Thinking, Research, Analytical Thought, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Leadership and Creativity, and we want to ensure that we can promote speech and debate activities in English and French in the areas of: Language Arts, Drama, Social Studies, and Science throughout the Province.   

The Alberta Debate and Speech Association was founded by educators in 1974, and we are fortunate to work with so many talented and dedicated teachers who are coaching Speech and Debate voluntarily.

While we are opening up the calendar and resuming activities, we understand that engagement with extracurriculars, like Speech and Debate, will be different for each school, and each coach.  

The ADSA Board will work with coaches to develop plans and contingencies that will reduce demands, and meet their needs in the months to come.

The ADSA will also maintain flexibility as circumstances change, and will maintain engagement with coaches accordingly. 

In sincerity,

The Alberta Debate and Speech Association Board of Directors and Staff