The Alberta government will focus on seeking more active control over the province’s immigration, forge ahead with health-care reforms, and defend its sovereignty, said Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani in Thursday’s speech from the throne as the provincial teachers’ strike simmers in the background.

The throne speech marking the beginning of the second session of the 31st legislature came as teachers entering three weeks off the job planned to rally on the grounds Thursday afternoon. Finance Minister Nate Horner’s Bill 2 — the Back to School Act — was on Thursday’s order paper. Premier Danielle Smith said unless a deal is reached the legislation forcing teachers back to work will be introduced on Monday.

As the legislature resumes, government house leader Joseph Schow said in a press conference on

See Full Page