Big changes are being proposed for southern Alberta’s provincial electoral boundaries. The Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission has received 197 submissions for changes to Alberta election maps. One of those submissions comes from Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf, who wants the commission to consider splitting the city’s two ridings into three or four that would include outlying rural communities. In his submission, Neudorf says the proposal would “strengthen advocacy for both urban and rural residents while supporting the province’s goal of responsible economic growth.” Several others, including Coaldale’s deputy mayor, Lisa Reis, and deputy CAO, Cameron Mills, submitted similar proposals. Opponents see it as a way to dilute NDP voters in Lethbridge with rural voters who are more likely to vote UCP. They believe it would make it easier for the UCP to win seats in Lethbridge. “This is gerrymandering (in its) most blatant form, to split a municipality of this size into four and add in a bunch of rural municipalities. I mean, it’s ridiculous just thinking about it,” said Lethbridge-West’s NDP MLA, Rob Miyashiro. Other observers question putting urban and rural voters together in the same riding. Balancing the wants and needs of two different groups of people could be a challenge for an MLA. “So now we’ve got four MLAs who are all trying to balance out these urban and rural tensions. How is that actually going to support a functional economic region, which de facto already exists independent of political boundaries, whether they’re municipal or otherwise?” said University of Lethbridge political scientist Lars Hallstrom. The UCP caucus released a statement supporting Neudorf and the commission. It was also critical of the NDP, saying, “It’s disappointing to see Alberta’s NDP attempt to politicize and cast doubt over this independent process—it’s a disservice to Albertans.” The commission’s initial report will be released Oct. 28.
