The leader of Alberta's NDP opposition party says the cost of the government's publicity campaign for October's referendum keeps climbing with another $365K spent on promotion.

Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi says in the next election he'll seek a seat in Calgary, where he grew up and was mayor, instead of running for re-election in Edmonton.

While the election of Avi Lewis as the new federal NDP leader has received mixed response, Lewis says he'll focus on strengthening the grassroots before seeking elected office. 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith defended the property tax increase, and noted it is meant to cover a third of the education operating budget this year.

Premier Danielle Smith is laying Calgary’s latest water problems squarely at the feet of her chief political rival: former mayor and current Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi.

Now that Naheed Nenshi has a seat in the legislature, he and UCP Premier Danielle Smith will face off in question period for the first time when the assembly resumes in October.

In all, there were three byelections held in Alberta on Monday.

Alberta voters go to the polls in three byelections on Monday in Edmonton-Strathcona, Edmonton-Ellerslie and Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has called three provincial byelections that will take place on June 23. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is expected to be among the candidates.

Nenshi didn't face any competition for the nomination and, if elected, would become the third NDP leader to represent the riding.