Proposed provincial electoral divisions for northern Alberta maps. Photos courtesy Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission.

By Erika Rolling

Provincial

Northern MLAs respond to proposed changes to electoral boundaries

Oct 31, 2025 | 12:00 PM

Politicians in the northern half of Alberta are asking for a map that “effectively represents” their constituents in response to proposed changes to electoral divisions made by the Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission.

In a letter to the Commission, nine MLA’s that represent northern residents hope for a second draft that incorporates their feedback. Those MLA’s include Grande Prairie’s Nolan Dyck, Grande Prairie-Wapiti’s Ron Wiebe, Central Peace-Notley’s Todd Loewen, and Peace River’s Dan Williams.

In the report, seven electoral divisions are to be condensed into six in the north. Dan William’s Peace River riding would cease to exist. It is one of only two ridings that have existed in shape and name in every provincial election since 1905, according to the letter.

The boundaries of the Lesser Slave Lake riding are also proposed to be split up into four neighbouring ones. Lesser Slave Lake’s riding currently has the lowest population in the province.

In the letter, it says these changes are “problematic;” citing driving times in the constituencies upwards of eight hours in some, leading to ineffective representation in many communities. It also noted the splitting up of boundaries into new ones could cause towns and counties to be “forced into political, social, and economic relationships with no obvious transportation or corridor connections.”

At the end of the letter it reads; “It is our belief that there continues to be a path to preserve effective representation for our communities while balancing growth across our province.” MLA’s also suggest that they look forward to engaging with the Commission before the second draft is produced to “ensure our northern voice is heard.”

To read the full letter to the Commission, click here.

To read the report and view the proposed changes in maps by the ABEBC, click here.