New Alberta regulations will determine which flags school authorities can display on their properties, websites and social media accounts, starting January 4, 2027.
The Flag Display Regulation was announced Friday, October 23, following changes to the Education Act made through the province's An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms and Amend the Education Act, 2026.
The province says the rules are intended to provide consistent expectations for school flag displays while maintaining a focus on student learning. The Alberta Teachers' Association has questioned the restrictions, particularly those affecting Indigenous flags.
Canadian and Alberta flags required outside schools
Under section 2 of the regulation, the Canadian and Alberta flags must be flown outside school buildings during the school year, each on a separate flagpole, following applicable flag protocols.
The regulation also permits certain other displays on school property. Its express exemptions include Alberta symbols of distinction, Vatican City flags, civic and municipal flags of Alberta, and sports-team or competition flags.
Indigenous flags, foreign flags and certain observances
First Nations, Métis Settlements General Council and Métis settlement flags may be displayed inside schools on National Indigenous Peoples Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Louis Riel Day, or the adjacent school day where applicable.
The same flags, along with foreign national flags, can also be displayed inside school buildings for approved course instruction, with a maximum of 14 consecutive school days at a time. The regulation provides additional allowances for official visits and celebratory or ceremonial events.
The Royal Union Flag may be displayed inside schools on Commonwealth Day and Victoria Day. The government identifies the Franco-Albertan flag among additional permitted symbols; separate wording in the signed regulation also permits Alberta symbols of distinction.
The 14-day limit applies to the specified instructional and formal-visit provisions, not to every category of flag display. Civic and municipal flags are among those generally permitted on school property.
Approval required for other displays
School boards may ask the Ministry of Education and Childcare for written permission for a display not otherwise covered by the rules. The government says a proposed display must not represent a prohibited political, social or ideological position taken by the board, and must meet criteria tied to a school's community, identity, infrastructure, observances or events.
The requirements apply to board-controlled physical displays, including buildings, grounds, equipment and furnishings, as well as digital reproductions on school websites and social media accounts. The province says the rules do not apply to flags worn or displayed by individuals on their personal belongings.
The regulation applies to public, separate, francophone, charter and accredited independent school authorities. It is scheduled to take effect January 4, 2027.
Teachers' association raises concerns
In a response issued October 23, Alberta Teachers' Association president Jason Schilling said the rules could add administrative work for teachers and school leaders. He also raised concerns about why sports-team flags can be displayed on school property while First Nations and Métis flags face more specific limits.
Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the restrictions are intended to keep school environments focused on learning. The Calgary Board of Education and Edmonton Public School Board said they were reviewing the new rules, according to The Canadian Press.
The governing ministerial order includes a sunset provision under which the regulation expires May 29, 2029, unless renewed or replaced following a review.
Original legal text: Alberta King's Printer, Ministerial Order 026/2026 and Flag Display Regulation.
Government of Alberta news release, October 23, 2026 (reproduced by Todayville).