The United Conservative Party (UCP) is poised to expedite a back-to-work bill aimed at ending the ongoing teacher strike. The legislation, known as Bill 2, the Back to School Act, is scheduled for a rapid passage through the legislature on Monday. Unless a settlement is reached beforehand, the government plans to push through all three readings of the bill in a single day, limiting debate on each reading to just one hour.

Government House Leader Joseph Schow stated that the time-allocation motions will facilitate the swift passage of the bill. "The time-allocation motions give us the opportunity to pass that bill quickly," he told reporters. He added that the government would evaluate the situation on Monday before proceeding.

The bill is expected to undergo only one hour of scrutiny in the committee of the whole, which is the stage that occurs between the second and third readings. If all goes according to plan, the bill could receive Royal Assent and be enacted by Monday evening.

Details regarding the contents of the bill remain unclear, particularly concerning potential penalties for teachers or the Alberta Teachers’ Association if they do not comply with the law. The legislature adjourned after Thursday’s throne speech without the bill being introduced, leaving many questions unanswered as tensions rise among educators and other unions.

As the UCP moves forward with this legislation, teacher dissatisfaction is growing, and other unions are signaling potential actions in response to the government's approach. The situation continues to develop as stakeholders await further announcements from the government and the outcome of the proposed legislation.