'Anxious to get it over with': UCP wants Fort McMurray byelection to be called

It's been three months since former Alberta opposition leader Brian Jean resigned his seat and his party is calling on the government to announce a date for the byelection that will fill his seat.

United Conservative Party MLA TanyYaosaid constituents were left without an MLAwhen Jean, the MLA for the riding of Fort McMurray-Conklin,resigned after losing the UCPleadership.

"We are anxious to get it over with," Yaosaid.

• Former Alberta Wildrose Party leader Brian Jean resigns as MLA

The riding stretches from part of downtown Fort McMurrayand into rural areas like Anzac,JanvierandConklin south of the city.

LailaGoodridge, the riding'sUCP candidate, thinks things are taking "a little bit longer than I would have expected."

According to Alberta's Election Act, a byelectionmust be called within six months after a seat isvacated.Like regular elections, a byelectionmust be held28 days after the writ is dropped.

Goodridge saidthegovernment is deliberately dragging its feet and using the time to send government ministers to the region forphoto-ops.

"I think theNDPare waiting and hoping they could make enough promises and enough announcements to turn the tides in FortMcMurray-Conklinand to buy a win,"Goodridgesaid.

Goodridgesaid she's concerned the vote will happen in the middle of summer, noting that the riding historically has hadlow voter turnout.

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NDPcandidate JaneStroudsaidshe is not too concerned with the delay in setting a date.

"I amsure it is going to be called soon," said Stroud. "In the meantime we are going to keep working for the people of the FortMcMurray-Conklinriding."

During a May 31 visit to Fort McMurray,Premier Rachel Notley said the byelection date will be announced soon.

Candidates have not yet been officially announced for the Alberta Liberal Party or the Alberta Party.

Connect with David Thurton, CBC'sFort McMurraycorrespondent, onFacebook,Twitter,LinkedInor email him atdavid.thurton@cbc.ca