Update from the Legislature – November 9, 2022
Preliminary Brooks-Medicine Hat by-election results
A by-election was held in the Brooks-Medicine Hat constituency on November 8, following the resignation of MLA Michaela Frey. The preliminary results are:
- Danielle Smith, United Conservative Party – 6,923 votes (54.5%)
- Gwendoline Dirk, New Democratic Party – 3,393 votes (26.7%)
- Barry Morishita, Alberta Party – 2,098 votes (16.5%)
- Bob Blayone, Independence Party of Alberta – 225 votes (1.8%)
- Jeevan Mangat, Wildrose Independence Party – 56 votes (0.4%)
Voter turnout in the by-election was 36.7%.
The results mark a closer race than in the 2019 general election, where the United Conservative Party candidate received 60.5% of the vote and had a plurality of nearly 43%. Official results will be announced on November 18. Premier Smith will be sworn-in as an MLA in advance of fall sitting on the legislature.
Legislature to resume sitting on November 29
The legislature was prorogued and the fourth session of the 30th legislature will commence on November 29. The session is expected to last a few weeks. Several bills are likely to be introduced.
2023 Provincial Budget consultations
The provincial government has begun pre-budget consultations and is inviting interested parties, including municipalities, to make an online submission by January 15, 2023. In addition to formal submissions, Albertans are invited to complete a survey. Telephone townhall meetings with Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board Travis Toews will be held in the new year. The budget will be released in February 2023.
