No need for an early provincial election: Alberta Party

An Alberta provincial election this year would be ‘expensive’ and is ‘unnecessary’, according to the leader of the Alberta Party.

Speculation continues to swirl that Premier Jim Prentice will call an early election.

The premier has said he wants a mandate to deal with the current downturn in the provincial economy caused by the dramatic fall in oil prices.

So how much would an election cost?

Elections Alberta puts the price tag at $23 million.

And just in case, it has returning officers in place in all but three of the province’s 87 ridings.

By law, Albertans aren’t scheduled to go to the polls until the spring of next year.

Fixed election period dates were brought in by former premier Alison Redford.

Alberta Party leader Greg Clark said he believes Prentice sees an opportunity to take advantage of a weak opposition.

“We have two parties with interim leaders,” said Clark.

But he added, it (an early election) is ‘absolutely unprecedented, it’s unnecessary and it’s expensive.’

Clark said, “I think the PC party should get on with the task of governing the province.”

Political analyst Duane Bratt said there could be a political upside for the current government if an election is held this year.

“(If) he is doing this it’s because he (Prentice) thinks it’s the best thing for the PC party”.

The Alberta legislature resumes sitting in March.

There’s still no date for a new budget, something Prentice insists is his focus right now.