Alberta legislature set to return with throne speech as teachers strike goes on

Alberta politicians return to work in the legislature today in a fall sitting that is already overshadowed by a provincewide teachers strike.

The strike is nearing the end of its third week, and teachers are expected to rally outside the legislature while Premier Danielle Smith’s government delivers its speech from the throne.

Smith has said the ongoing strike is proving to be an intolerable hardship for students and families, and says back-to-work legislation can be expected next week, barring a negotiated deal.

Marisa Breeze, a spokesperson for Alberta’s finance minister, says such legislation is a last resort and that the government would rather negotiate a deal.

Government house leader Joseph Schow has said the plan is to introduce at least 15 bills this sitting, including new rules to prevent long ballot protests during provincial elections.

Opposition NDP leader Naheed Nenshi says the government’s priorities are out of touch with Albertans, who he says are more concerned about affordability and health care.