EDMONTON: Alberta’s proposed new electoral map is drawing criticism from the Opposition NDP, which says the changes could favour the governing United Conservatives in next year’s provincial election.
The proposed boundaries would increase the number of constituencies from 87 to 91 and redraw several ridings in Calgary, Lethbridge and other parts of the province.
NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi accused Premier Danielle Smith’s government of trying to give the United Conservatives an advantage in the October 2027 election. He said the NDP plans to challenge the changes in court.
Among the proposals are changes to Lethbridge’s two existing constituencies, which would be replaced by four districts, three extending into surrounding rural communities.
Several western Calgary ridings would also be redrawn to include neighbouring rural areas.
The NDP argues that combining urban and rural communities in those districts could change how voters are represented and benefit the governing party.
Smith has defended the boundary review process and rejected accusations that the proposed map was designed to favour the United Conservatives.
The government established a new advisory panel earlier this year after rejecting recommendations from the previous Electoral Boundaries Commission.
The new panel was given less time to complete its review and did not hold public hearings, unlike the earlier commission.
The proposed map is expected to be debated in the legislature later this week.
The changes have also raised concerns about whether Elections Alberta would have enough time to prepare for the next provincial election, scheduled for Oct. 18, 2027.
Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure has warned that the province should either keep the existing electoral boundaries or postpone the election to allow enough time to implement the new map.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery rejected the suggestion of delaying the vote.
Amery said the government expects to finalize the boundaries before Christmas, giving Elections Alberta about 11 months to prepare.
McClure is expected to appear before a legislative committee later this week to discuss the election agency’s preparations and the work required before voters head to the polls.
Changes to electoral boundaries could affect which communities share a representative in the legislature and which constituency voters belong to in the next election.
The proposed map still requires legislative approval. No final decision has been made on the new boundaries.