Senate nominee vote set
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Continuing its push for a greater democratic foundation to the Upper Chamber of Parliament, the Alberta government will hold Senate nominee elections in conjunction with the next provincial election.
“Albertans deserve the opportunity to democratically nominate Senators who represent this province,” said Premier Alison Redford.
“Alberta has been a champion for bringing reforms to the Senate and we will continue to advocate for an elected Senate.”
The province will elect three Senate nominees — one for each of the two vacancies anticipated over the next six years, plus one extra in case of early retirement. The nominees’ terms will be for six years or until the next Senate nominee election, whichever comes first.
Since 1989, three democratically elected Alberta Senate nominees have been appointed: Stan Waters in 1990, Bert Brown in 2007, and Betty Unger in 2012.
“I thank all those who have participated in the 2004 Senate nominee elections,” added Redford. “The appointments of Betty Unger and Bert Brown were instrumental in advancing democratic reform on behalf of Albertans. I also recognize both Cliff Breitkreuz and Link Byfield for serving as Senate nominees for Alberta.”
