Spring elections every four years will become the norm for Alberta if legislation tabled today is passed.
Alberta is the last of the 10 provinces to introduce fixed election dates.
The provincial government said it plans to establish a fixed election period between March 1 and May 31, starting in 2012. Elections will then be held in that same window every four years after that.
Alberta attorney general Verlyn Olson said the three-month period allows flexibility in setting an election date so it doesn’t conflict with days of cultural or religious significance.
Spring was chosen over fall to avoid conflict with federal and municipal elections held in the autumn. Most other provinces have fixed their dates in the fall. Only British Columbia and Prince Edward Island have spring elections.
In a background paper on the legislation, the provincial government said a spring date shows respect for farmers by avoiding the busy harvest season.
“The amendments mean Albertans will be better able to plan to participate or involve themselves in the election process as voters, as candidates and as volunteers,” said the background paper.
