Hello, my name is Noelle Sylvester. I am a single parent of two, Sloane and Zoë, and a teacher in Alberta currently on strike. I voted yes to the strike to stand up for public education, the teaching career I love, and to unite with all Albertans who believe our province deserves social structures that create the base for an informed and cared for Alberta. I voted yes to the strike knowing I would be sacrificing my own salary.

Negotiations with the Alberta Government are not progressing positively, which means we are now moving through October without a paycheque and into November facing ongoing uncertainty. As the cost of living continues: rent $2475, After School Care $805, Car Payment $600, Utilities $300, Car Insurance for the year $2400, consolidated loan payment $175, groceries, gas, as well as moving costs as my current landlord is moving back into her home November 1/25. To make ends meet, I have been selling personal items and looking after friends' children who are also affected by the strike to earn extra money.

I am working to regain financial stability after an extremely difficult divorce 2.5 years ago. I was left with debt accumulated by both myself and my children’s father. I had to use my savings to pay for the cost of a lawyer in order to file with Alberta Family Court to fight for full parental rights and decision making to ensure my children’s safety at that time. While their father has since made positive steps forward in building a relationship with our children and now has them 2 days per week, I am still rebuilding myself financially.

I’ve been steadily climbing the teacher salary grid; took a position as a learning leader, and moving into a new rental that is more affordable and has utilities included. I’ve also gone through the process of enrolling in the Maintenance Enforcement Program to ensure consistent child-support payments. However, I still need to pay for my children’s after-school care upfront and submit receipts in order to receive the portion their father needs to pay for. While I am thankful for these services it is not a quick turnaround. I submitted my receipts in August and just received notice that they were approved and the incremental payments will begin mid November.

I am looking to raise $10,000: to cover the cost of living for my family for November, the cost of moving, and an unexpected increase to my yearly car insurance in order to stabilize until we are back to work.

I’m deeply grateful for any help—big or small—that allows me to keep my kids safe and cared for while I wait to return to the classroom I love. Thank you for your kindness, understanding, and belief in the importance of teachers and education.