Understanding how to register a party in Alberta is vital for anyone planning to participate in the province’s political process. The procedure is governed by sections 6 and 7 of the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act (EFCDA), and since the Bill 54: Election Statutes Amendment Act affects all provincial electoral laws, applicants should note that the details on this page may be subject to updates. Registration involves two key stages — reserving a party name and meeting specific qualifications before the official application for party registration can be submitted to Elections Alberta.
To begin the process, an applicant must first reserve a proposed party name. Elections Alberta maintains an official list of registered political parties and reserved names, as do Edmonton Elections and Elections Calgary for local political entities. It’s essential to ensure the desired name and abbreviation are not already in use by another party, society, company, or corporation. After confirming availability, you’ll need to complete Form PA-RES-01 (Reserve a Party Name). This form requires your proposed name and abbreviation, your personal details including name, email, address, and phone number, and—if applying for a group—an updated list of key members or principal officers, plus your reason for applying.
Elections Alberta will notify applicants in writing of approval or rejection. Once approved, the proposed name and abbreviation are reserved for six months, allowing time to meet registration qualifications. Applicants can request two three-month extensions using the same form, but each must be submitted 7–30 days before the reservation expires, with progress details and reasons for extension. If approved, the reservation may extend up to 12 months in total. After a year, re-reservation can be requested with proof of continued progress, but final approval rests solely with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).
For reference, some names currently reserved include the Alberta 1st Party (A1P), Alberta Prosperity Party (APP), Humanity First Party of Alberta (HFP), and others, each with set expiry dates through late 2025. Reserved names are published by Elections Alberta while groups work toward full registration.
To meet the qualifications for registration, a proposed political party must satisfy at least one of the following conditions defined in section 6 of the EFCDA:
- Hold three seats in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, or
- Endorse and nominate candidates in at least half of Alberta’s electoral divisions during a general election, or
- Submit a petition signed by 8,819 eligible electors, representing 0.3% of the total voters in the last provincial election (held on May 29, 2023).
Once one of these requirements is met, the group may submit a written application for initial registration. Section 7(1.2) of the EFCDA outlines the mandatory contents of this submission. It must include the party’s full name and abbreviation, the leader’s name, official addresses for records and correspondence, names of principal officers, and the name of the chief financial officer (CFO). It must also list the financial institution where party contributions will be deposited, including signing officers, and specify which qualification under section 6(2) applies. Additionally, the application must contain a financial statement of assets and liabilities (dated within 90 days of the application and attested by the CFO) and a signed declaration from the leader confirming that the party’s purpose is to engage in public affairs by endorsing candidates and supporting their elections.
Under section 7(2.03) of the EFCDA, every party applying for registration must also confirm incorporation under one of three recognized legal structures:
- A society under the Societies Act;
- A company under Part 9 of the Companies Act; or
- A corporation under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act (Canada).
Once all these conditions are fulfilled and verified by Elections Alberta, the Chief Electoral Officer reviews the application for completeness and compliance. Approval grants official registration as a political party, enabling participation in provincial elections, receipt of contributions, and nomination of candidates. For assistance or clarifications on the registration process, inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
Successfully registering a political party in Alberta demonstrates organization, legal readiness, and commitment to democratic engagement. By carefully following the procedures for reserving a name, maintaining communication with Elections Alberta, and fulfilling all EFCDA requirements, aspiring parties can ensure a smooth path toward official recognition and participation in Alberta’s political system.
