CALGARY — The two unelected ministers Alberta Premier Jim Prentice appointed to his cabinet have announced their plans to win a seat in the legislature.
Health Minister and former Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel is running in Edmonton-Whitemud, while Education Minister Gordon Dirks is running in Calgary-Elbow.
Edmonton-Whitemud was held by former premier David Hancock, who announced he is leaving politics.
READ MORE: Outgoing Alberta Premier Dave Hancock resigns seat
Calgary-Elbow was vacated when former premier Alison Redford resigned.
The Wildrose party says John Fletcher, a retired army colonel, will carry its flag in Calgary-Elbow while the New Democrats have nominated Stephanie McLean, a defence lawyer.
READ MORE: Wildrose puts ‘John’s army’ on the ready for Calgary-Elbow by-election
Both by-elections have yet to be called.
Prentice, who also doesn’t hold a seat, has promised the by-elections will be wrapped up before the legislature resumes business on Nov. 17.
There are no other seats open in Calgary, but backbencher Neil Brown has said he will resign in Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill if Prentice wants to run there.