Calgary legislature seat up for grabs in Alberta byelection

A provincial byelection is taking place in Calgary, Alberta, on Monday, as five candidates compete to fill the legislature seat in Calgary-Shaw, a traditionally Tory stronghold. The riding has been without a legislature member since May, when Rebecca Schulz resigned her position. The five candidates running for the seat are Mike Derry from Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party, Kyle Campbell from Naheed Nenshi’s NDP, teacher Kyle Joseph from the Progressive Tory Party of Alberta, lawyer John Roggeveen from the Liberal Party of Alberta, and independent candidate Rolly Ashdown.

Derry’s campaign has focused on affordability, education, healthcare, and government transparency, while Campbell has emphasized healthcare issues. The election comes as the province gears up for a vote on October 19 to decide whether to remain in Canada or hold a binding referendum on leaving the country.