EDMONTON – The Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission has issued its final report, which recommends new electoral boundaries to be adopted in time for the next provincial election.
“This report is a significant step forward for democracy and fair representation,” said Joel French, Executive Director of Public Interest Alberta. “If adopted, the Commission’s recommendations would make votes count much more equally than they did in the last election. We thank the Commission for its exemplary work on a very difficult task.”
The report was submitted to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and will now be considered by MLAs, who will decide whether its recommendations are adopted, in part or in full. Public Interest Alberta is calling on the government to modify the mandate of future commissions, via the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act.
“The Legislative Assembly should also consider changes to the laws that give these commissions their mandate by legislating a maximum five per cent variance in constituency population, while ensuring all MLAs receive the support they need to effectively serve their constituents in both urban and rural areas,” French added.
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