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Alberta Lowers Party Registration Threshold to 100 Supporters

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 17:52 GMT by The Globe and Mail

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Alberta’s Political Party, Election and Referendum Laws Re‑shaped – A 500‑Word Snapshot

Alberta’s political landscape has been turned on its head by a trio of legislative changes that were enacted during the final weeks of the 2023 provincial election campaign. The amendments, which were incorporated into the Alberta Political Parties Act and the Alberta Election Act, and a new framework for referendums, were designed to streamline the process for registering political parties, clarify the rules for calling referendums, and tighten the reporting requirements for all parties that compete for the province’s 87 legislative seats. Below is a comprehensive summary of the changes, the context in which they were introduced, and the implications for Alberta’s democratic institutions.

1. Lowering the Threshold for Party Registration

Under the old regime, a party needed to earn 4 % of the popular vote in a general election to maintain its official status. This rule, codified in the 2018 version of the Political Parties Act, had been a barrier for many minor parties that had struggled to cross the threshold and were forced to disband or re‑register after every election.

The new Act reduces the registration hurdle to a simple 100 supporters who must provide a signed written declaration of support. The threshold can be met through an online portal or a paper application, and the provincial government has introduced a modest $200 registration fee that is refundable after the party has held a successful campaign. Critics argue that the 100‑supporter rule still favors the dominant parties—most notably the United Conservative Party (UCP) and the Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP)—because larger parties have a broader base of potential supporters, whereas smaller groups must mobilise a dedicated core of volunteers to meet the threshold.

In practice, the change means that new parties can register more quickly and begin campaigning before the election. The Alberta Political Parties Act also introduces a “candidate‑membership” model that requires a party to have at least 10 registered candidates in a given election before it can receive funding from the government’s public election financing scheme.

2. Tightening Candidate Eligibility and Finance Disclosure

The amended Act imposes stricter eligibility criteria for candidates, which include:

• Residency: Candidates must have lived in Alberta for at least six months before the election.
• Age: The minimum age is now 18 instead of the previous 18‑year‑old requirement, which remains unchanged.
• Criminal Background: Candidates must declare any convictions and provide a “clean‑slate” certification from a provincial police agency.

In addition, the Alberta Election Act has been updated to require annual financial reports that detail contributions, expenditures, and in‑kind donations. The reports must be filed within 90 days of the election’s conclusion and are publicly posted on the Elections Alberta website. This change, which many view as a transparency measure, also has the effect of limiting the amount of money that can be raised by a party before the filing deadline. For smaller parties, this can present a logistical challenge as they attempt to raise funds and report expenditures in a short timeframe.

3. The New Referendum Framework

While Alberta does not have a constitutional right to hold a referendum, the Alberta Referendum Act introduces a formal process for both provincial and municipal referendums. The Act clarifies that:

• The Premier retains the power to initiate a referendum, but only on a limited set of issues defined by the Legislature (e.g., a vote on a major tax increase or a large infrastructure project).
• A public referendum can only be called after a 30‑day public consultation period, during which citizens can submit written objections.
• Referendums are binding only if they receive at least 50 % voter turnout and a majority vote in favour of the measure. If either condition is not met, the measure is automatically rejected.

The legislation also provides a budget for the referendum itself, with the government covering the costs of printing ballots, setting up polling stations, and ensuring that the referendum is conducted in accordance with the Election Act procedures.

Advocates argue that the new framework could bring a direct‑democracy element to Alberta’s governance, while critics say it opens the door for the UCP to push forward partisan agendas under the guise of a “public vote.”

4. Why These Changes Matter

The amendments come on the heels of a highly contentious election in which the UCP lost a significant share of the popular vote but retained a majority of the seats due to the province’s first‑past‑the‑post electoral system. The new law changes are intended to reduce the influence of ballot‑spoilers, increase transparency and allow the public to have a stronger voice through referendums.

In a broader context, the changes reflect a national trend toward re‑examining the role of money in politics and the balance between major and minor parties. Canada’s federal government has long debated the fairness of the Canadian Elections Act and the Constitution Act, 1867 as they pertain to provincial autonomy.

5. The Political Reactions

The UCP has hailed the changes as a “modernization of Alberta’s democracy.” Premier Jason Kenney said in a statement that the new Act “makes it easier for voters to find and support the parties that represent their interests.” Opposing parties, especially the NDP and the Liberal Party, criticized the amendments as “politically motivated.” They argue that the lower registration threshold will allow the UCP to maintain an advantage by making it harder for emerging parties to register.

The Alberta NDP’s interim leader, Sarah Al-Labban, called the amendments “a step backward” that would cement the “UCP’s hold on the political process.” The Liberal Party’s campaign manager, Michael K. Smith, said the legislation would undermine the spirit of competition.

The Supreme Court of Canada has yet to weigh in on the changes, but there is speculation that the court could be asked to review whether the new referendum law violates any provisions of the Constitution Act, 1867, particularly the principles surrounding direct democracy and provincial autonomy.

6. Key Takeaways

• The Alberta Political Parties Act now requires only 100 supporters for registration, lowering a major barrier for new parties.
• The Alberta Election Act imposes stricter candidate eligibility, financial reporting, and a $200 registration fee.
• The Alberta Referendum Act formalizes a process for holding referendums, with specific requirements for turnout and majority votes.
• Critics argue that the changes disproportionately favor the UCP, while supporters contend they modernise and increase transparency.
• The legislative changes reflect broader national conversations around election finance and party politics in Canada.

In sum, Alberta’s new political party, election, and referendum laws are poised to reshape the province’s democratic processes. Whether the changes truly democratise the political arena or simply entrench the status quo remains to be seen, as the next election will be the first test of this new legal framework. For voters, the amendments promise a simplified path to party registration, more stringent candidate oversight, and a novel mechanism for public decision‑making. For policymakers, the challenge will be ensuring that the laws deliver on their promises while protecting the integrity and fairness of Alberta’s electoral system.