UCP planning return of Senator elections by 2021

Up to three of the top finishers would have their names submitted for consideration to replace outgoing senators.

The federal government would not be bound by law to choose them.

Kenney’s campaign for the April provincial election included bringing back Senate elections.

He fast-tracked that promise last week after the Senate passed two energy bills deemed prejudicial to Alberta’s energy interests.

Some Facts:

Alberta has six representatives in the Senate.
In 2012, 1.3 million Albertans voted in a Senate nominee election, which was held in conjunction with the provincial election.
In general, the law would allow for voting for Senate nominees:
- as part of provincial or municipal elections
- as a stand-alone process
- with a referendum
The next scheduled Alberta Senate vacancy will be in March 2021.
The Government of Alberta would provide names of elected nominees to the prime minister for consideration when filling Senate vacancies.
The previous Senate elections legislation expired in 2016.

by The Canadian Press