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The province will consider legislation to delay wage negotiations with public sector unions representing tens of thousands of Alberta workers, says Finance Minister Travis Toews.

“We’ve requested a delay in arbitration so we can understand the best path forward,” he said during question period Tuesday. “It is reasonable, it is responsible and it is in the best interest of Albertans.”

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The NDP slammed the move, saying it stalls talks on binding contracts.

“There’s a difference between a request and a threat,” said NDP advanced education critic David Eggen, who raised the issue in question period. “Our public sector workers include nurses who care for our sick, teachers who prepare our students for their futures and guards who protect our legislature.”

Earlier, Eggen told reporters that a May 16 letter sent from Treasury Board and Finance Deputy Minister Athana Mentzelopoulos to unions was “a stunning show of intimidation.”