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
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.