Calgary-Shaw voters choosing new MLA in five-way byelectio

Voters in Calgary-Shaw are heading to the polls Monday to choose a replacement for former UCP cabinet minister Rebecca Schulz, who resigned from the legislature in May. The southeast Calgary constituency has traditionally been a Conservative stronghold, making the governing United Conservative Party the favourite to retain the seat. Polling locations are open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.

UCP candidate Mike Derry and Alberta NDP candidate Kyle Campbell are the leading contenders in a five-person field. Progressive Tory candidate Kyle Joseph, Alberta Liberal John Roggeveen and Independent Rolly Ashdown are also on the ballot. Derry has emphasized affordability, education, health care and government transparency, while Campbell has placed particular attention on the state of Alberta’s health-care system.

Beyond determining the riding’s next MLA, the result will offer an early indication of Calgary’s political mood ahead of the Oct. 19 referendum. The size of the UCP’s victory—or an upset by the NDP—will be closely watched, as will the Progressive Tory vote and its potential effect on the governing party’s conservative coalition. Unofficial results are expected after polls close Monday, with official results scheduled to be declared Sept. 24.