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
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Canadian couple among tourists on sinking sailing boat tour abroad
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Accused of burglary at stepmother's home, U.S. senator says she wanted her father's ashes: charges
A Minnesota state senator and former broadcast meteorologist told police that she broke into her stepmother's home because her stepmother refused to give her items of sentimental value from her late father, including his ashes, according to burglary charges filed Tuesday.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.