Experts watching 3 Calgary ridings on eve of 2021 election day
All but one of the province's 34 ridings were painted blue in 2019, but when Albertans vote Monday, many believe this time around could be different.
A number of political experts identified three Calgary ridings as seats that could flip to the Liberal Party when all is said and done.
Political scientist Duane Bratt says they're part of a group in the province that have the potential to surprise.
"If I was a Conservative in the six battleground ridings in Alberta, I'd be very worried," he said.
Bratt says even if the seats don't go red -- he predicts ultimately, only one will -- the vote will likely be a lot closer than it was in 2019.
"But if a Liberal is going to win in Calgary," Bratt said, "It'll be in Calgary-Skyview.
Ward 5 councillor George Chahal will be facing off against Conservative incumbent Jag Sahota in the northeast riding.
Sahota turned down a CTV News interview request.
"We've had a great response at the doors and from community members, and we are working hard right until the end of Election Day," Chahal said. "People want representation. They want a voice in Ottawa from Calgary."
On the last full day of campaigning, Chahal continued to preach the importance of a voice in the government: something many candidates in the city have been stressing over the last month.
If Erin O'Toole becomes Prime Minister, Alberta Conservatives will likely be a loud voice in the country's capital.
But if Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau can win a third straight term, many in the party say being shut out in Alberta once again isn't an option.
"Canada needs more Calgary at the table," Calgary-Centre Liberal candidate Sabrina Grover said. "And this is an opportunity for us to show that there is political diversity in this province."
Grover made headlines earlier this month after campaign volunteers were allegedly accosted while handing out literature.
Monday, she'll be tasked with knocking down incumbent Greg McLean.
He won the seat from Liberal Kent Hehr in 2019.
McLean did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
While 33 Conservatives currently hold seats in the province, many are waiting to see if votes for the People's Party of Canada take a chunk out of right-wing support.
Calgary-Confederation is expected to be another tight race. Incumbent Len Webber has held the seat since it was first contested in 2015.
He too turned down a chance to be interviewed for this story.
The People's Party candidate in the riding says he'd be happy to influence a close race.
"That's great," Edward Gao said. "I mean, if we look at the policies of the Conservatives, they've been moving left over the years. I think that's a direct result of Alberta's results being taken for granted."
But as Gao preached financial accountability and a return to balanced books, Bratt remained unconvinced his party will surprise in the prairies.
"I think the People's Party could play a spoiler role in some Ontario ridings, (but) I would be surprised if they play a role here (in Calgary)."
Bratt did acknowledge Monday's election will be unlike anything Canadians have seen before.
Outside of some Alberta battlegrounds, the vote-casting itself will be a key player in the proceedings.
The fourth wave is expected to have a large impact on turnout, which many pundits believe could be even lower than in 2019.
"What does polling even look like (Monday)?" Bratt said. "Are there going to be people that don't vote because they're fearful?"
Calgary's voting stations are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
LIVE B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in "all public spaces," marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.