What to know ahead of Monday's byelection in Calgary-Shaw
Voters in the Calgary-Shaw riding are heading to the polls for a byelection that may serve as a referendum on the provincial government's policies. The race features five candidates and is being closely watched for signs of political dissatisfaction regarding secession and healthcare.
Why it matters
The outcome of this byelection could signal shifting voter sentiment in a traditionally conservative region and influence the political strategy of the governing party.
The southwest Calgary riding includes communities like Chaparral, Legacy, Wolf Willow, Silverado and Somerset.
Its previous representative, United Conservative Party MLA and former minister Rebecca Schulz, resigned earlier this year, triggering the byelection.
Polling stations are open Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
University of Calgary political science professor Lisa Young says the open question is whether the UCP may pay a political price for holding a referendum on secession, when polls suggest the majority oppose separation.
“I think that observers on both sides are going to be inclined to see this as a little bit of a referendum on the referendum in some ways,” Young said.
Because of that, Young said the NDP might “feel more competitive than they normally would” in what has traditionally been a conservative riding. The NDP won Calgary-Shaw in 2015, the year that party formed government.
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