Alberta now appears likely to have new ridings in place in time for the next provincial election.
The NDP government introduced legislation Tuesday that would allow for the early appointment of a new electoral boundaries commission.
The province had faced a dilemma because of then-premier Jim Prentice’s election call a year ahead of schedule last year.
Boundaries are supposed to be redrawn after every two elections, but the existing legislation had stipulated a new boundaries commission couldn’t be struck until 2018, which wouldn’t give it enough time to draw up revamped ridings ahead of the set election period in 2019.
Chief electoral officer Glen Resler had asked the government to amend the law so work on the boundaries could move forward.
“The last electoral boundary review in Alberta occurred in 2009,” Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said in a statement.
“As the population in Alberta has grown considerably since then, it is important that this review occur in time for any new boundaries to be established before the next general election.”
A commission reviews existing electoral boundaries, holds public hearings and makes recommendations for the legislature’s consideration.
Bill 7 introduced Tuesday will also clarify that the commission can use sources such as a municipal census in its work.
