The Alberta government introduced Bill 31, the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, which proposes to increase the number of electoral divisions in Alberta from 87 to 89; however, it is currently unclear which divisions would be impacted by this.
According to the province, this proposed amendment to the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act aims to address representation issues brought on by Alberta's rapid population growth. The province cites that between July 2023 and July 2024, Alberta’s population increased by approximately 204,000 people, marking the province's highest annual growth rate since 1981.
Under the current legislation, each electoral division’s population must not exceed 25 percent above or below the average population of all divisions. However, nine divisions currently surpass this threshold, prompting concerns about fair representation.
The proposed amendments would direct Alberta’s Electoral Boundaries Commission to add two electoral divisions and provide updated guidelines for redrawing boundaries to better balance representation across the province.
"To be clear, the government does not draw electoral boundaries. It is done through a regular and legislative process. Every eight to 10 years, an Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission will be established to review existing electoral boundaries and make proposals to this assembly about area boundaries and names of electoral divisions," explained Justice Minister and Attorney General Mickey Amery.
Amery added that the next commission could be appointed as early as this fall or as late as October 31, 2026, ensuring new boundaries are in place before the next provincial election. Amery said that the Act would enhance flexibility in boundary reviews by adding two electoral divisions and allowing the commission to consider factors beyond population, such as communication access and transportation.
When asked about the cost of adding two MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) seats, Amery said it would vary based on factors like distance from Edmonton, which may affect travel expenses. However, he emphasized that improved representation for Albertans would outweigh these costs.
Additional legislative amendments in Bill 31
Alongside the changes in the Electoral Boundaries Commission Act, Bill 31 would also amend other justice-related legislation.
- Public’s Right to Know Act: Proposed changes would authorize the Minister of Justice to mandate crime data sharing from government agencies, municipalities, and police services to increase transparency and public understanding of community crime levels.
- Critical Infrastructure Defence Act: This amendment would consolidate definitions of "essential infrastructure" within the act by incorporating specific facilities such as healthcare into the primary legislation, enabling the repeal of the Critical Infrastructure Defence Regulation.
- Alberta Evidence Act: Proposed amendments aim to simplify and modernize processes for Albertans testifying in court. Individuals could electronically certify documents instead of making in-person affirmations or oaths, although traditional methods will remain available.
If Bill 31 is passed, the Justice Statutes Amendment Act 2024 will take effect upon receiving Royal Assent.
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