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National flags, representing some of the home countries of Fairview Elementary's diverse student population, hang in the school's hallway in Red Deer. (Image Credit: Josh Hall/rdnewsNOW)
By Jett Schwaier
SCHOOL FLAG RULES

New flag regulations at Alberta schools set to take effect

Oct 23, 2026 | 12:45 PM

New regulations governing which flags can be displayed at Alberta schools will take effect Jan. 4, 2027, requiring school authorities to follow provincial rules on flag displays.

The Flag Display Regulation builds on changes introduced through the province’s An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms.

Under the new rules, school boards must fly the Canadian and Alberta flags outside school buildings during the school year, with other flags only being displayed if they are specifically permitted under the regulation or approved by the Ministry of Education and Childcare following a written request.

Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says the rules are intended to create a consistent approach across the province.

“The Canadian and Alberta flags are symbols that unite us and reflect the values we share,” Nicolaides said in a release.

“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.”

The regulation permits several additional flags, including the Franco-Albertan flag, civic and municipal flags, and the Royal Union Flag on specified days.

Schools can also temporarily display flags inside buildings when they are directly related to instruction in a course or program of study approved under the Education Act.

First Nations, Métis Settlement General Council and Métis Settlement flags, along with foreign national flags, can be displayed inside school buildings during official visits, celebrations, ceremonial occasions or on specified days.

School boards seeking permission to display other flags must submit a written request to the ministry.

Proposed displays cannot constitute a political, social or ideological statement or position by the board that conflicts with its responsibilities under the Education Act.

Requests must also meet at least one of several criteria, including representing the school population and local community, reflecting school identity, being part of existing infrastructure, or being associated with a commemorative day, observance or school event.

Board Chair of Red Deer Public School Division Nicole Buchanan said school divisions have a role in applying provincial direction while responding to their 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,” Buchanan said in a release.

Reagan Weeks, President of the College of Alberta School Superintendents and Prairie Rose Public Schools Superintendent, says education leaders will need to implement the regulations through their professional practices.

“The College of Alberta School Superintendents is committed to supporting ongoing efforts to address legislation through responsible professional practice,” Weeks said in a release.

“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.”

The regulations will take effect Jan. 4, 2027, for public, separate, francophone, charter and accredited independent schools across Alberta.

by Jett Schwaier