Byelection in Calgary to be called when people can pay attention to politics: premier

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that a byelection in the Calgary-Shaw riding will not be called until Albertans have more capacity to focus on political matters. Smith indicated that with the summer season underway, the election is not a top priority for many residents, but an announcement regarding the timing will be made in the coming weeks.

The legislative seat has been vacant for approximately two months since Rebecca Schulz, a former United Conservative Party (UCP) cabinet minister, resigned her position. Both the UCP and the Opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) have already selected their candidates for the riding.

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a byelection in Calgary won’t be called until Albertans have more time for politics.

NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi suggested that Premier Smith is intentionally delaying the byelection. Nenshi claimed that Smith is hesitant to call the election because she fears her party's candidate might lose the race. He proposed that calling the election promptly would be a way to capture Albertans' attention.

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She says Smith is waiting to call the byelection because she’s afraid her party’s candidate would lose.