Add Two Legislative Seats

Summary#

This bill changes how many provincial electoral divisions (ridings) Alberta must have. It amends the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act to require the Commission to draw a map with 91 proposed electoral divisions instead of 89. The broad goal appears to be to add two more ridings and adjust boundaries across the province.

Key changes:

• Increases the required number of proposed electoral divisions from 89 to 91.
• Directs the next Electoral Boundaries Commission to design a new map with 91 ridings.
• Would likely result in two additional seats in the Legislative Assembly once a new map is adopted.
• Boundary lines across Alberta would likely shift to create the two new divisions.
• Does not change how the Commission operates or the general boundary‑setting process.

What it means for you#

• Voters:

  • Your electoral division may change in a future election once a new map is adopted.
  • Two new ridings would be created, which could mean a different MLA for some areas.
  • There is no immediate change until a new map is finalized and used for an election.

• Political parties and candidates:

  • There would be two more constituencies to nominate candidates for and to campaign in.
  • Local organizing and campaign plans may need to adjust to new boundaries.

• Municipalities:

  • Municipal boundaries and services do not change, but how communities are grouped into provincial ridings may.
  • Coordination with MLAs could change if municipal areas are split or regrouped under new divisions.

• Elections administration:

  • Elections Alberta would likely need to update maps, voter lists, and voting places to reflect 91 ridings when the new map takes effect.

Note: The bill only sets the number of divisions. The detailed boundaries will be set later through the Commission’s public process.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Possible cost effects:

• Ongoing costs for two additional MLAs (salary, benefits), constituency offices, and staff.
• One‑time costs to update maps, systems, and materials for a new 91‑riding map.
• Higher costs to run provincial elections with two more constituencies.
• Some added work for the Electoral Boundaries Commission to design and consult on a larger map.

Proponents' View#

• The bill appears intended to keep representation in step with population growth and shifts.
• Adding two ridings could reduce the size of very large or fast‑growing constituencies, which may improve access to an MLA.
• More, smaller ridings could make it easier for MLAs to serve constituents and attend to local issues.
• This could be seen as improving fairness by balancing voter numbers across divisions.

Opponents' View#

• One concern is ongoing public cost for more MLAs and offices, with no cost estimate provided.
• The bill does not explain why 91 is the right number, which may raise questions about the rationale.
• Creating new ridings and redrawing lines can cause confusion for voters and added administrative work.
• It is unclear when the new boundaries would take effect, which may make planning harder for parties, candidates, and communities.