Premier Danielle Smith helping cut the ribbon at the event. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Aidan Boelsgaard

NDP wants investigation into Danielle Smith’s Medicine Hat announcement

Oct 29, 2022 | 2:22 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Alberta’s NDP has sent a letter to the province’s Chief Electoral Officer in regards to a possible violation of the Elections Act by Danielle Smith.

Smith, the United Conservative candidate in the Brooks-Medicine Hat byelection, attended the opening event for a Health, Wellness and Athletics expansion at Medicine Hat College on Oct. 25. The letter from the NDP states she made comments about running in the Nov. 8 byelection, as well her government’s contribution to Medicine Hat.

The quote from Smith referenced in the letter states, “I should also mention I see Drew Barnes in here, the MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, as well as Michaela Frey who used to be the MLA in this area who kindly stepped aside to make room for a byelection.”

As well, Smith said, “so today, as we celebrate Medicine Hat College, and the opening of the Health, Wellness and Athletics expansion, know this is a sign of our government’s commitment to all Albertans, a commitment to the best higher education, a commitment to strong prosperous communities and a commitment to realizing that Alberta’s best days are ahead.”

The Elections Act reads “During a by-election period, a department or a Provincial corporation shall not advertise or publish any information about its programs or activities that has a disproportionate impact on voters in the electoral division in which the by‑election is being held.”

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The letter is signed by both Opposition Critic for Justice Irfan Sabir, and Opposition Critic for Advanced Education David Eggen.

In the final statements they ask for the investigation of this incident to ensure that the integrity of Alberta’s democracy remains strong and that future attempts to game the election system are discouraged.