Regulations have been released that establish clear and consistent rules for school flag displays.

Building on changes made through An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms, a new Flag Display Regulation will set requirements for flags displayed on school property. It will help to provide a consistent framework for flag displays while ensuring learning environments remain focused on student learning and success.

Under the regulation, school boards must fly the Canadian and Alberta flags outside school buildings during the school year. Other flags may only be displayed by a school board on school property if they are permitted under the regulation or permitted by the Ministry of Education and Childcare following a written request.

“The Canadian and Alberta flags are symbols that unite us and reflect the values we share. These changes will provide a clear and consistent approach to flag displays in schools, while keeping the focus where it belongs: on student learning and success.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare

The regulation permits additional flag displays, including the Franco-Albertan flag, civic and municipal flags and the Royal Union Flag on specified days. Schools may also temporarily display flags inside school buildings that are directly related to the instruction of a course or program of study prescribed or approved under the Education Act.

“School divisions play an important role in implementing provincial direction while remaining responsive to the needs of their local communities. We appreciate the Government of Alberta’s efforts to provide clarity on these requirements, while ensuring that student learning, achievement and success remain at the forefront of our work.”

Nicole Buchanan, board chair, Red Deer Public School Division

First Nations, Metis Settlement General Council and Metis Settlement flags and foreign national flags may be displayed inside a school building during official visits, celebrations, ceremonial occasions or on specified days.

School boards may submit a written request to the Ministry of Education and Childcare respecting additional flag displays not otherwise permitted or prescribed by the Education Act and Flag Display Regulation.

To be permitted, a proposed flag display must not constitute a political, social or ideological statement or position on the part of the school board contrary to the school board’s responsibility under the Education Act;

and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• representative of school population and community context

• part of existing physical infrastructure

• reflective of school identity

• associated with a commemorative day or observance

• part of a school event

  
  

“The College of Alberta School Superintendents is committed to supporting ongoing efforts to address legislation through responsible professional practice. Our education system is strengthened when system education leaders implement regulations in a manner that ensures our schools remain places where every student is treated with dignity, respect and a strong sense of belonging.”

Reagan Weeks, president, College of Alberta School Superintendents

The regulation comes into force on Jan. 4, 2027, by which time public, separate, francophone, charter and accredited independent school authorities are expected to comply.