In the early 1990s, the Government of Alberta implemented a series of province-wide budget cuts in education and services. Subsequently, school boards had to adjust to this new funding reality. However, many school boards disproportionately reduced ESL instructional services by 50 to 80 per cent, more than any other educational service. Such significant and deep budget cuts resulted in a decline of system coordination and support for ESL services, the dismantling of a number of ESL programs, the replacement of qualitifed ESL teachers by teacher assistants or school aide, and high ESL teacher/student ratios.

Concerned with the detrimental effects of inadequate ESL service delivery on the future of thousands of K-12 ESL learners, community groups and individuals vigorously protested educational cutbacks that targeted ESL services. They organized and formed the Coalition for Equal Access to Education in February 1992. Since then, many individuals, community groups and organizations have contributed their expertise and support to advocate for quality, equitable ESL education. The Coalition has established itself as a strong, unified community voice.