Opposition critics say the staggering censure of Jeff Johnson by Alberta teachers over the weekend could trigger his ouster as education minister in a bid to repair deteriorating relations with the profession.

Teacher delegates delivered a stinging rebuke to Johnson on Saturday, unanimously approving a vote of non-confidence in the education minister, just hours after he addressed the crowd gathered in Calgary for a three-day Alberta Teacher’s Association assembly.

“(Johnson’s) probably on very shaky ground in that ministry,” said Bruce McAllister, education critic for the Official Opposition Wildrose. “I wouldn’t be surprised if and when the (Progressive Conservatives) get their act together, and put a new king at the helm, if they don’t shuffle that portfolio.”

Teacher delegates debated and voted on 170 resolutions, eight of which revolve around a controversial report by the Task Force for Teaching Excellence.

The report calls for teacher competency reviews every five years, more transparent investigation into teacher misconduct and for the removal of school principals from the ATA.

The union representing the province’s teachers has slammed the report, arguing that most of the 25 recommendations do little to address increasing workloads, overcrowded classrooms and other immediate concerns.

In a speech that received a frosty reception, Johnson thanked the ATA for “not rescinding” his invitation and urged delegates to “take a deep breath and get back on track” with the process of strengthening Alberta’s education system.

The report isn’t an attack on teachers, Johnson said.

“Teachers are the reason our system is so successful. We appreciate them. If anyone feels this report is drawing conclusions that our teachers are sub-par or anything but exceptional, I’m here to tell you that’s not how Albertans feel.”

Johnson said he is interested in working collaboratively with the ATA to discuss the task force recommendations, but has no intention of backing away from a report he characterizes as a starting point for discussion.

“I want to tell you: I won’t avoid the tough discussions. That’s why I’m here today.” he told teachers. “We asked for a bold report, and we got it.”

But Johnson’s attempts to mend fences failed to strike a chord with teachers, who overwhelmingly gave the minister a failing grade by way of a non-confidence vote.

“I think it sends a pretty clear message,” said Frank Bruseker, president of ATA Local 38, which represents Calgary public school teachers.

“We’ve never done this before. We’ve been disappointed, we’ve expressed concerns, but it has never come this far. It sends a message to the premier and the Conservative Party, a party currently going through a leadership race.”

Alexandra Jurisic, who represents Calgary Catholic school teachers, said many are “taken aback” and “mystified” by task force recommendations that seem to imply a lack of trust in their work.

“We have for decades been one of the top professional organizations in the world. What’s changed?” she said.

“It makes you wonder: Given the disarray within the Tory party, are we dealing with a government that’s trying to use education as a decoy, a way of transferring problems and creating froth and public mistrust around a profession that doesn’t need it?

Johnson told reporters that he will take Saturday’s vote “under advisory” but it doesn’t sway his confidence in the research and recommendations outlined by the 16-member task force.