Alberta advances bill for controversial new riding map

Alberta's United Conservative government passed a motion Wednesday urging legislation to enact a controversial new 91-seat electoral map published this week. Justice Minister Mickey Amery said the boundaries process was independent and defended more rural-urban hybrid ridings as reflecting shared community services. Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi called the map the most gerrymandered in Canadian history and said it dilutes urban votes. Debate was limited to one hour before the motion passed 45 to 36. Nenshi has vowed a court challenge unless the map changes, while Elections Alberta warns the timing leaves little room before the scheduled October 2027 provincial election.