Calgary-Foothills by-election to be barometer for parties

It’s by-election day in Calgary-Foothills, the third election there in the last year.

The seat was left vacant when former premier Jim Prentice stepped down after the Conservatives crushing defeat in the spring election

A full slate of seven candidates is vying to fill the spot, and there’s a lot at stake.

It won’t change the big picture in Edmonton as the NDP already has a secure majority, but this is still an important vote for the party.

MRU political scientist Lori Williams says a win would show there is still support for the NDP mandate in Calgary.

“But as Rachel Notley has rightly pointed out, by-elections are not the poll that counts as Jim Prentice’s experience clearly indicates,” she explained.

MRU political scientist David Taras said it’s also important for the Wildrose and Conservatives to try and secure a position as a singular opposition.

“It’s really a battle to the death,” he said. “You get a sense only one of those parties will survive.”

Listen to 660 NEWS for complete coverage of the by-election results starting at 8 p.m.

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