UCP invokes rare rule to fast-track back-to-work bill as NDP filibusters

The UCP wasted no time Monday in the legislature, using a rare procedural move to fast-track debate on a bill that aims to force striking teachers back to work across the province.

Alberta’s United Conservative government wasted no time Monday in the legislature, using a rare procedural move to fast-track debate on a bill that aims to force striking teachers back to work across the province.

Government House Leader Joseph Schow invoked Standing Order 27, a rule that permits the assembly to cut short Question Period and immediately move on to government business. The motion passed with the votes of all United Conservative MLAs, who form the majority government. All New Democrats voted against it.

Many of the motions the Alberta NDP opposed are standard procedural matters, not directly related to the upcoming back-to-work legislation.

For example, the first two motions the Alberta NDP voted against, only for the majority UCP to pass, read as follows:

“Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly resolve into Committee of the Whole, when called, to consider certain Bills on the Order Paper.

“Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly resolve into Committee of Supply, when called, to consider supply to be granted to His Majesty.”

After each vote, the legislators took a 15-minute division.

Government House Leader Joseph Schow will introduce several more motions, according to the Order Paper.

Later, or perhaps tomorrow if the legislation adjourns before all the matters are handled, non-government members will introduce various proposals. One such proposal comes from Alberta NDP MLA Rakhi Pancholi, who wants the government to publicly reject the idea of Alberta leaving Canada.

Earlier in the day, during a session where politicians answer questions, Premier Danielle Smith admitted that the size of classes and the complexity of student needs are big problems. She said her government would work with school board members, superintendents, and teachers to find specific solutions. She also mentioned an old report that showed billions spent by previous governments didn’t help reduce class sizes.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides told the legislative assembly that studies indicate limiting class sizes is most effective for the youngest students. Finance Minister Nate Horner added that Alberta aims to offer salaries for teachers that are similar to those in other western provinces.

The UCP are expected to try and pass all the motions before the assembly today before adjournment at 6:00 pm, so that they can table the bill and send children back to school on Wednesday.

True North is attending the legislative proceedings and will publish an article outlining Bill 2 once it is debated and tabled.