Click HERE to listen to the newest podcast episode.

This episode features a live recording from the February 19, 2026, Local Education Event, “Privatization in Healthcare and Education,” held at the ATA Building in Edmonton and organized by the Local 196 Education Committee. Moderated by Local 196 Secretary and Chair of the Communications and A&E Committees, Rachel Steel, the panel brought together research and advocacy perspectives to examine how privatization is reshaping Alberta’s healthcare and education systems. Participants wore red in solidarity with public education and wrote messages of encouragement to teachers, underscoring the community-centred spirit of the evening.

Panellists Rebecca Graff-McRae of the Parkland Institute and Heather Ganshorn of Support Our Students Alberta explored how funding pressures, corporatization, centralized decision-making, and “parental rights” narratives are influencing public policy. The conversation highlighted two possible futures for Alberta: one that strengthens universal, publicly delivered services rooted in equity and democratic accountability, and another that expands private influence within publicly funded systems. This episode invites listeners to reflect on what is at stake—and how collective action can shape the future of public healthcare and public education in our province.