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Sep 18, 2026 2:19 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur

Former Alberta MLA Drew Barnes Announces New Federal Party, Alberta Now

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Former Alberta Conservative MLA Drew Barnes has announced plans to establish a new federal political party called Alberta Now, aimed at representing Alberta’s interests in Ottawa.

Barnes says many Albertans feel they are not receiving adequate representation in Ottawa. The party would operate in a model similar to the Bloc Québécois and plans to field candidates only in Alberta’s 37 federal ridings.

According to Barnes, Alberta Now will focus on smaller government, lower taxes, greater choice in government programs, more provincial autonomy and increased provincial control over areas such as environmental regulations. The party also says it would work within Canada’s existing political system rather than pursue separation.

The party is working toward official registration with Elections Canada. Recent reports say it has already gathered more than 500 verified signatures and plans to submit its paperwork for the registration process.

The proposed party is emerging ahead of Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum. Analysts have discussed whether a new Alberta-focused party could affect the distribution of conservative votes in the province, drawing comparisons with the role of the Reform Party in the 1990s.

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