Mr. Hehr: Well, Mr. Speaker, the proposed changes to Alberta’s electoral boundaries provide further evidence that the growing pains that we are experiencing in this great province are very real and very evident. 

The current provincial budget frequently incorporates the term “finding efficiencies.” How about this efficiency: keep Alberta’s Legislature at 83 seats and save millions. Will the minister consent to doing this?

The Speaker: The hon. minister.

Ms Redford: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I understand that the boundaries commission has provided a report reflecting the current state of the legislation in Alberta. There’s much time for public comment, and I’ll look forward to what the result might be in the future.

Mr. Hehr: Well, regarding public comment much of that has already been made to the commission. It was noted in the report that many Albertans really don’t want another four MLAs. So how about following the first rule of democracy, listening to these people and not incorporating these four MLAs?

Speaker’s Ruling

Questions about Legislation

The Speaker: Well, hon. member, the first rule of democracy is to uphold the laws of the province of Alberta. This Assembly has passed a piece of legislation mandating 87 electoral divisions. Is the hon. member asking the Minister of Justice to not observe the law, to break the law?

I’m sorry. You’re going on to your third question, please.

Number of Provincial Constituencies

(continued)

Mr. Hehr: Okay. Here’s my third question, then. If that is in fact true, can we put forward some new legislation, then, to keep it at 83 seats so that we don’t have another four?

Ms Redford: Well, Mr. Speaker, the Legislature is open for public business, and if the member wants to introduce legislation, he’s certainly entitled to do that.

Alberta Hansard, February 25, 2010

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