Alberta Record

· Bill / Centralization of Power · enacted

Bill 54 — Alberta Senate Election Act: Lieutenant Governor in Council Powers to Discontinue and Recommence Elections

Grants the Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGC) new powers to discontinue and recommence Senate elections in emergency situations or when held in conjunction with other elections that are discontinued.

Moderate impactCentralization of powerElection rulesLegislatureThe public, directly

What changed

  • The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) may recommend to the LGC that a Senate election be discontinued and a new one commenced if an adjournment under the Election Act or Local Authorities Election Act is insufficient to address circumstances. (Section 3(3) of Bill 54, adding Alberta Senate Election Act s. 5.1)
  • The LGC may, by order, discontinue a Senate election if it is held in conjunction with a general election (Election Act) or local elections (Local Authorities Election Act) and an adjournment/extension is insufficient, or if the general election itself is discontinued. (Section 3(3) of Bill 54, adding Alberta Senate Election Act s. 5.2)
  • An order to discontinue an election may also commence a new election at another date and time. (Section 3(3) of Bill 54, adding Alberta Senate Election Act s. 5.2(2))

Why it matters

  • This centralizes significant authority in the LGC to intervene in the conduct of Senate elections, potentially impacting the independence of the electoral process.
  • The power to discontinue and reschedule elections introduces an element of executive discretion that could be used in various scenarios beyond clear emergencies.
  • This represents a change in election rules and the governance of Senate elections.

Rights affected

  • Voting & democratic participation — The mechanics and integrity of elections and referenda.

Other governance concerns

  • Executive oversight of elections
  • Election integrity

Primary sources (1)

Secondary sources (3)