Alberta NDP accuses Smith of ‘Trump-style’ gerrymandering in new electoral map

I'm pleased to submit to the Legislative Assembly the report. A new report proposing changes to Alberta's provincial ridings is raising concerns about electoral fairness. It's up to the Assembly to ultimately decide on how to proceed. It recommends the creation of four new ridings for a total of 91 and modifying some urban ones. Take Lethbridge. Currently two urban ridings, one United Conservative Party, one NDP. The report suggests most of the city should comprise one riding, while three others would be predominantly rural but include parts of Lethbridge. Critics allege the UCP is gerrymandering, manipulating electoral boundaries for political benefit. Here it looks like some of that is going on. This expert says it could help Danielle Smith's UCP to hang on to power in next year's election. We know that I know that the That the UCP is down in the polls, and it looks as though they're trying to put themselves in a position of advantage. The Alberta NDP boiling mad. If the UCP has the nerve to pass this Trump-style MAGA gerrymandered map, we'll see them in court. The UCP had rejected recommendations from the Electoral Boundaries Commission, then installed a new advisory panel which wrote the report. Governments have resisted the temptation to meddle with electoral maps. The Smith government isn't built that way. They feel that if they don't like a particular outcome, it's okay to change the process. Elections Alberta, citing worries about preparedness, Asked for current boundaries to be maintained in 2027 or to push the October election to a later date, the premier dismissed those concerns. I have great confidence in Elections Alberta's ability to execute on its statutory requirement to hold the election on October 18th, 2027, as it is prescribed by law. MLAs will debate the report, but the UCP's majority means it could simply push through the changes. Julia Wong, CBC News, Edmonton.