Alberta has tabled Bill 1 to reduce school fees for families

The Government of Alberta has proposed a bill to help reduce school fees for Albertans.

If the bill is passed, parents will no longer have to pay school fees for instructional supplies or materials, or for eligible students taking the bus to their designated schools.

Costing Albertans $50 million each year, fees for supplies and busses account for approximately 25 per cent of the total fees charged to parents.

If proclaimed, Bill 1 will result in amendments to the School Act, as well as the creation of a new school fees regulation before the start of the 2017/18 school year.

Before the regulation is established, a clear definition for instructional supplies or materials will need to be set and could include

• textbooks
• workbooks
• photocopying
• printing or paper supplies