The nomination period and selection day for a United Conservative Party (UCP) candidate in the upcoming Sylvan Lake-Innisfail by-election has been announced.
The UCP announced yesterday the nomination period for candidates will be from now until April 16. The nomination period has been abridged, according to a UCP press release from April 3.
The selection day will be held on April 28.
Those applying to run as a UCP candidate must be a party member and submit an application accompanied by the signatures of 50 Party members who reside in the Innisfail-Sylvan Lake constituency.
Each UCP candidate must also make a $500 payment to both the constituency association and the United Conservative Party.
Along with the non-refundable, not-a-donation payment, the candidates are also required to provide a refundable $1000 good conduct bond, by certified cheque, bank draft or money order, payable to the Party.
Applicants have until 5 p.m. on April 16 to submit their applications.
Only members of the United Conservative Party can vote for the candidate. The general by-election will be held later in the year.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notely has a limited time to call an election. The by-elelction must be called by Aug. 5, 2018.
A by-election is needed after former Sylvan Lake-Innisfail MLA Don MacIntyre resigned from his position in February, after being charged with sexual assault and sexual interference.
As of publication, the only candidates who have come forward are from the UCP or the Reform Party, with the vast majority looking for a UCP spot.