How The Electoral Boundaries Process Works
What is the Electoral Boundaries Commission?
The Electoral Boundaries Commission is an independent, non-partisan body established under Alberta's Electoral Boundaries Commission Act. Its job is to review and recommend changes to provincial riding boundaries every two election cycles to reflect population growth and shifts.
The 2025-2026 Commission was made up of five members: a chair appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council (on the advice of cabinet), two members appointed by the government, and two members appointed by the Official Opposition.
The commission held public hearings across Alberta, released an interim report in October 2025, and submitted its final report to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on March 26, 2026. The majority report — signed by chair Justice Dallas Miller and the two NDP-appointed commissioners — recommended two new seats for Calgary, one for Edmonton, and the consolidation of two rural ridings.
What happened next?
The two UCP-appointed commissioners issued a minority report with an alternative map designed to create sprawling "rurban" ridings that would dilute urban votes. Justice Miller warned the approach was likely unconstitutional under Section 3 of the Charter. Justice Minister Mickey Amery, who had previously committed to respecting the independent process, reversed course and said "all options are on the table."
This is unprecedented in Alberta's electoral history. Minority reports from government-appointed commissioners complete with alternative maps have never happened before.