Edmonton: Premier Dave Hancock released the following statement after a tentative deal was reached on a new collective bargaining agreement between government and its approximately 22,000 bargaining unit staff:

“I am pleased that we have been able to reach a tentative deal with the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees negotiating team.

“I would like to thank AUPE President, Guy Smith, for meeting with me last week to discuss the state of negotiations. It was important that we were able to have that dialogue and that our negotiating teams were able to move forward. Our preferred option has always been to find a solution at the bargaining table and we’ve been able to do that.

“The AUPE’s negotiating team will be recommending the tentative deal to its membership. Likewise, I will be recommending the deal to Cabinet.

“Negotiations are always challenging, but I can assure Alberta government employees that we are committed to a respectful work environment where their work is valued and appreciated. The Government of Alberta is filled with hard-working and committed employees and I’m looking forward to continuing our critical work serving Albertans.”