Alberta Politician, Staffers Suspected to be Eyeing Federal Races

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Many analysts are speculating that Alberta Premier might be losing four of her MLAs and a top staffer to bids for Conservative nominations, including Len Webber, Janice Sarich, David Xiao and Don Scott. Several rumors have alleged that all these provincial politicians and staffers are eyeing an opportunity for an upgrade to federal politics, along with the premier’s office’s director of planning Matthew Macdonald.

Consequently, it is feared that departure of four MLAs together will prompt by-elections and they might not be so fruitful for Ms. Redford’s Progressive Conservatives, whose poll numbers are in decline since the 2012 election. Even though Ms. Redford’s majority is not at risk since her party holds a secure majority of 60 out of total 87 seats, by-elections are usually tough for governing parties. Campaign manager for the PC in 2012, Susan Elliott, dismissed all questions regarding polling numbers as she alleged that “generally speaking, there’s no question that by-elections are an opportunity for voters to vote against the government, without risk.” She added that “we are too far away from a general election to be watching the polls.”

On the other hand, Mr. Webber and Mr. Xiao have formally confirmed to be “seriously considering” running in Calgary Confederation and Edmonton West, respectively. Although Mrs. Sarich did not make any indication, but business cards with her information and a federal riding, Edmonton Griesbach, are circulating which raise suspicion. Whereas, Mr. Scott alleged that he was “presently honoured to serve the Premier in my current role,” declining to confirm or deny his federal interest in the recently vacated riding of Fort McMurray-Athabasca.