The Legislature is back in session, and the Throne Speech was delivered, outlining the provincial government’s agenda for the upcoming legislative session. Government House Leader Joseph Schow said 15 bills are planned, including measures to reduce red tape, prohibit regulators from requiring Canadian work experience, and prevent “undue discipline” in professional associations. Other legislation will adjust local election rules by tightening nomination requirements and will begin creating the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service. Schow said returning students to classrooms remains a key goal amid the ongoing teachers’ strike. Schow also reiterated the government’s readiness to use the notwithstanding clause to defend its existing laws on gender and education policy.
Speaking of the teacher’s strike, Premier Danielle Smith says that back-to-work legislation will be introduced today. The strike, now in its fourth week, involves 51,000 teachers and affects 750,000 students across public, separate, and francophone schools. The government has offered a 12% wage increase over four years and a plan to hire 3,000 additional teachers, but educators argue this does not sufficiently address class sizes and special needs support. The proposed Back to School Act would be fast-tracked through the legislature using modified debate rules to allow quick passage. Alberta Teachers’ Association President Jason Schilling criticized the legislation as disrespectful and limiting democratic debate. Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi condemned the move, calling it an attack on education and democracy. The government maintains it remains open to negotiations if teachers initiate formal talks before the bill passes.
Alberta’s government introduced Bill 1, the International Agreements Act, as its first piece of legislation for the fall session, asserting that international agreements will only apply in the province if passed under provincial law. Bill 1 would repeal the 1995 International Trade and Investment Agreements Implementation Act and require all international treaties affecting provincial jurisdiction to be debated and approved by the Legislature before taking effect. Premier Danielle Smith framed the bill as a defence of Alberta’s sovereignty, inspired by Quebec’s model, and emphasized that federal negotiators must include Alberta in agreements affecting areas like oil, gas, health, and education. Critics, including NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, called the bill performative, unconstitutional, and a diversion from pressing provincial issues such as the ongoing teachers’ strike and challenges in health care. Notably, he didn't say any of this about Quebec's law.
Changes in provincial voting legislation are expected shortly, designed to take aim at "long ballot" protests following a federal byelection that saw a record 214 candidates listed. The proposed bill would increase the number of nomination signatures required, prohibit individuals from signing multiple papers, and make it illegal to induce others to do so. Government House Leader Joseph Schow said the changes are meant to ensure only serious candidates appear on ballots. Critics say the proposal could discourage participation and undermine democratic confidence. Mount Royal University political scientist Lori Williams said Alberta hasn’t yet faced such protests but cautioned that overly restrictive rules could exclude legitimate candidates. She noted that fair safeguards, such as limiting how many papers a person can sign, could prevent abuse without narrowing access to the democratic process. The government is expected to table the legislation during the current session.
Also in the works are plans to allow residents to privately purchase diagnostic tests and screenings, a move the Alberta government says will reduce wait times and attract private investment into the province’s health system. Under the proposal, Albertans could pay out of pocket for elective services such as imaging and preventative screenings, while physician-recommended tests would remain publicly funded. If a privately paid test identifies a serious medical condition, the cost would be reimbursed. Health Minister Adriana LaGrange described the change as expanding choice and strengthening preventative care, while critics argue it risks creating a two-tier system. NDP health critic Sarah Hoffman said privatization could divert resources from the public system and worsen wait times. The Province maintains that the reforms are intended to increase capacity, not replace public services, and there are plans to consult with medical and industry stakeholders before introducing the legislative changes.
The Alberta government will end its hybrid work model for public service employees, requiring more than 12,000 workers to return to full-time, in-office work starting in February. Since March 2022, Alberta Public Service employees have been allowed to work from home up to two days per week under a temporary hybrid policy introduced during the pandemic. The Province said the policy is being discontinued due to changing conditions and broader workplace trends. Approximately 44% of Alberta’s government workforce was participating in the hybrid arrangement as of August. The government noted that it is following a similar move by Ontario, which will require its employees to return to the office full-time in early 2026. Officials added that while remote work will end, employees can still access other flexible arrangements, such as modified hours or work averaging policies.
