Premier Danielle Smith has firmly dismissed speculation about an early provincial election in Alberta, aiming to quell rumours that emerged following a high-profile cabinet minister's departure.
Premier Commits to Fixed Election Date
Speaking to reporters in Calgary, Premier Smith stated that Albertans should not anticipate a vote before the scheduled date of October 18, 2027. She emphasized the importance of the fixed election law, which provides certainty for planning. "We have fixed election dates in this province for a reason…so people can have certainty and can do their planning," Smith said.
The rumours of a potential 2026 election gained traction after Calgary-Shaw MLA Rebecca Schulz resigned from her post as environment and protected places minister on Wednesday. In her statement, Schulz cited timing in politics as a prime reason for her decision to step down and seek new opportunities.
A Full Legislative Plate and Boundary Changes
Smith explained that her United Conservative Party (UCP) government's agenda is too packed to consider an early election call. "Our intention is to continue working for the next two years on the mandate that we were elected to govern on," she affirmed.
She also pointed to the ongoing work of the Alberta Electoral Boundary Commission, which is creating two new ridings due to rapid population growth. Smith suggested an election should not precede the completion of this redistricting process.
Despite the rumours, Smith expressed confidence in her party's standing, noting, "I’m not quite sure why everyone is so anxious to rush to an election, the credible polling I’ve seen suggests we’d do very, very well in an early election."
Political Context and Polling Landscape
The news unfolds against a backdrop of shifting political dynamics. An October Leger poll indicated some challenges for the government, with about 61% of respondents feeling the province was on the wrong track. Premier Smith's personal approval rating slid to 38%, while Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi held a favourability rating of 43%.
However, the same poll suggested the UCP would still secure an election victory if one were held at that time, with 44% support among decided voters compared to 39% for the NDP.
In the wake of Schulz's departure, Taber-Warner MLA Grant Hunter, previously the associate minister of water, was sworn in to replace her in cabinet. Schulz is also one of roughly two dozen UCP MLAs currently facing recall petitions, a factor opposition leader Nenshi suggested could potentially lead to a minority government scenario.
NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi stated this week that his party is prepared to "crush" the government if an election is called and suggested successful recall petitions could create an opportunity for a non-confidence vote.
