Alberta's Electoral Boundaries: Majority vs Minority Plans

Alberta's Electoral Boundaries Commission released its final report, proposing a shift

to 89 writings for the 2027 provincial election up from the current 87.

The main plan cuts two rural seats to make room for growth in big cities, adding two in

Calgary, one nearby and one in Edmonton.

Meanwhile, a minority report from two commissioners pushes a very different idea, creating many

hybrid writings that mix urban and rural areas.

This includes splitting Calgary suburbs with spots up to 20 kilometers out, and blending

Edmonton with nearby towns like Beaumont and Spruce, Grove.

It also divides mid-sized cities like Reddeer and Leftbridge into four mixed constituencies

each.

The majority, led by the chair and two others, called the minority plan unconstitutional and

a risk to public trust in elections.

They pointed out huge population imbalances it would create, hinting at partisan motives

without saying the word outright.

NDP leader Nahid Nenshi slammed the minority view as obvious gerrymandering that dilute

city voters.

The government says it will carefully review the majority recommendations, staying quiet

on the alternative for now.

This marks the first time commissioners have put out competing maps after agreeing on

an earlier version.

The legislature would decide the final boundaries soon, shaping next year's vote across

the province.

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