Political parties might have a larger role in local elections in the near future.
The United Conservatives in Alberta have been thinking about changing the laws recently, but some people are not happy about it.
The Premier addressed a room of civic leaders in Edmonton on Friday morning. Danielle Smith mentioned that party politics could soon be introduced in Alberta city halls.
Smith stated, "It's still being debated and considered. It may not apply to everyone, could be a trial project, and might only be focused on major cities."
The Premier believes that Albertans should have more clarity about the candidates they are voting for. Currently, party affiliation is not allowed under the Local Authorities Election Act. Smith mentioned, "It's possible that most municipalities have not adopted party politics, but it's gaining traction in Calgary and Edmonton. We believe there needs to be transparency and rules around it".
Smith added, "If this happens, there should be reporting structure to ensure transparency similar to provincial and federal politics."
Some municipal leaders, including Tyler Gandam, president of Alberta Municipalities and mayor of Wetaskiwin, oppose the changes, saying that their political affiliations are not relevant to local government.
Gandam commented, "I think it might change how people run for office. I'm not sure how this will improve how a municipality can govern and build better communities." Gandam asked, "Why should my political party affiliation matter when we're spending money on infrastructure, parks, or road repairs?" The government of Alberta conducted surveys on proposed changes to the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) and the Municipal Government Act (MGA) in November 2023.
The surveys closed in December, and the results have not been made public.
However, a freedom of information request by the Edmonton Journal revealed that over 70 percent of respondents opposed the proposed changes.
The survey results were consistent with polling conducted by Janet Brown Opinion Research last summer, which found that 68 percent of Albertans would prefer municipal candidates to run as individuals. Councillor Andrew Knack mentioned that introducing political parties may cause elected officials to prioritize their party over the people they serve, similar to how MLAs and MPs act in the federal and provincial systems..
Knack has been vocal about the possible changes. He thinks the province is trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist. Knack states that the current system allows him to be more adaptable in his decisions at Edmonton City Hall. “In these chambers, you don’t always get what you want. There’s lots of decisions I make that people don’t like but I go into every decision in those chambers with an open mind,” Knack said. It’s not yet known if or when this will be introduced in the legislature. The Alberta Municipalities believe it could happen during the current spring session.
Alberta is set to have its next municipal elections in 2025. -With files from Karen Bartko, Global NewsThe Premier says Albertans deserve more clarity about who and what people are voting for. Currently, party affiliation is not allowed under the Local Authorities Election Act.
“The number one issue that Albertans raised as to why they don’t want political parties is that they felt that by introducing that, the people who get elected will be serving the party first and not the people they’re actually elected to serve,” said Ward Nakota Isga Councillor Andrew Knack. “If you look at our federal and provincial systems right now, you see how those MLAs and MPs act towards one another in public meetings. Do you look at that and say ‘Yeah, I want that in city hall too.'”
Knack has been outspoken on the potential changes. He believes the province is trying to come up with a solution to a problem that does not exist. Knack says the current system allows him to be more flexible in his decisions at Edmonton City Hall.
“In these chambers, you don’t always get what you want. There’s lots of decisions I make that people don’t like but I go into every decision in those chambers with an open mind,” Knack said.
It’s not known yet, if or when this will be introduced in the legislature. The Alberta Municipalities believe it could come during the current spring session.
Alberta is scheduled to hold its next municipal elections in 2025.
-With files from Karen Bartko, Global News
