The Alberta government has introduced Bill 31, the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, proposing significant changes to the province’s electoral boundaries. Announced on November 5, the bill seeks to increase the number of electoral divisions from 87 to 89, reflecting Alberta’s substantial population growth in recent years.
The current Electoral Boundaries Commission Act mandates that each electoral division’s population must not exceed or fall below 25% of the average population across all divisions. This regulation currently affects nine divisions:
Airdrie-Cochrane
Calgary-Buffalo
Calgary-Foothills
Calgary-North East
Calgary-Shaw
Calgary-South East
Edmonton-Ellerslie
Edmonton-South
Edmonton-South West
The proposed amendments aim to address the significant population increases since the last provincial election, ensuring effective representation for all Albertans in the legislature. Notably, the amendments would remove the requirement to consider municipal boundaries when delineating electoral divisions, potentially leading to ridings that span multiple communities, such as Chestermere and parts of Calgary.
Population density and geographical features will continue to be key factors in determining the new electoral boundaries. The last adjustment to Alberta’s electoral map occurred in 2009, when four new seats were added. Since then, the province’s population has grown significantly, necessitating a reevaluation of electoral divisions to maintain equitable representation.
For residents of Chestermere, these changes could mean alterations to their electoral representation. As the process unfolds, community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate in public consultations to ensure their voices are heard in shaping the province’s electoral future.
The proposed amendments are currently under legislative review. If passed, the new electoral boundaries will be established by the Electoral Boundaries Commission, with public input playing a crucial role in the final decisions.
For more information on the proposed changes and how they may affect your community, visit the Alberta government’s official website or contact your local MLA’s office.
