NDP wins Calgary-Shaw byelection in Conservative stronghold

The Alberta NDP has won a byelection in the longtime Conservative stronghold of Calgary-Shaw, a result that has sparked debate over whether the loss was driven by vote splitting or voter opposition to the provincial government's upcoming separatism referendum. Unofficial results show NDP candidate Kyle Campbell defeated United Conservative Party candidate Mike Derry by 582 votes, collecting 7,461 votes to Derry's 6,879. The Progressive Tory Party's Kyle Joseph finished third with 978 votes. The seat was vacated in May when former cabinet minister Rebecca Schulz resigned. The UCP government attributed the loss to a split in the conservative vote and low turnout. "A split of the conservative vote along with a low overall turnout were the primary reason for the byelection result," said UCP spokesperson Sam Blackett. The party argued that the Progressive Tory votes could have swung the result in Derry's favour. However, critics from across the political spectrum pointed to the Oct. 19 referendum on whether Alberta should remain in Canada as a key factor. Former UCP premier Jason Kenney stated that the separatism debate is alienating conservative voters who are proud Canadians.