The leader of the Alberta Party has revealed his plan to reduce Alberta’s Members of the Legislative Assembly from 87 to 61 following the 2015 Provincial General Election.

“I think we need to make government less expensive and more effective,” said Alberta Party leader Greg Clark. “I think it shows good fiscal discipline, good fiscal responsibility and shows that we’re willing to spend money in the right places.”

Clark believes reducing the number of MLAs by 26 would equate to savings of $8 million each year, money which would be earmarked for frontline services.

“I think this will reduce the cost of government by $32 million every four years and those are dollars that can go directly to the front lines of healthcare and education, and that’s what Albertans are telling me they want.”

Under Clark’s plan, the change would follow the 2015 election during the regularly scheduled redistribution of seats based on fluctuations in population. After every second provincial election, constituency borders are adjusted to ensure all MLAs represent a similar number of constituents.

Alberta would not be the first province to slash its MLA numbers. In 1996, Ontario reduced its number of provincial electoral districts.

“It makes the decision making process more efficient and more effective. Smaller numbers of people come to a decision more quickly.”

“Calgary has 25 MLAs and only 14 city councillors. I don’t hear anyone in Calgary clamouring for more city councillors.”

Clark adds Alberta has 28 Members of Parliament, some of which represent large rural ridings, and they manage to stay on top of local issues within their riding. Clark believes rural MLAs are capable of doing the same.

“We have technology now that allows MLAs to connection with their constituents over great distances.”

Mount Royal University political scientist Lori Williams says a proposed decrease in MLAs would not amount to enough savings to resolve current concerns in education and healthcare.

“$32 million is not enough to make the difference that we need in those services,” said Williams. “$32 million in four years, we’re talking $8 million a year, and that’s really not a significant savings and it’s not going to be enough to solve the problems that we’re looking at.”

Williams concedes a reduction in MLAs may streamline decision making but says the democratic process is based in citizen engagement.

“Democracy is not about efficiency, it’s meant to be about representation and having fair representation where the MLAs can actually connect with their constituents, help them with their problems and speak on their behalf to government.”