What Is 27th Legislative Assembly of Alberta

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 27th Legislative Assembly of Alberta began on April 30, 2019, following the United Conservative Party's victory in the provincial election, marking the start of Premier Jason Kenney’s term. It lasted until May 18, 2023, when the 28th Assembly was sworn in after the 2023 election.

Key Facts

Election held on April 16, 2019, resulting in a United Conservative Party (UCP) majority
27th Assembly convened on April 30, 2019, at the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton
UCP won 63 of 87 seats, ending 29 years of Progressive Conservative dominance
Rachael Notley’s NDP became the Official Opposition with 24 seats
Assembly dissolved on May 18, 2023, ahead of the 2023 provincial election

Overview

The 27th Legislative Assembly of Alberta was a pivotal session in the province’s political history, beginning after the April 16, 2019, general election. It marked the first time the newly formed United Conservative Party (UCP) assumed government, ending nearly three decades of Progressive Conservative rule.

This Assembly operated under a majority government led by Premier Jason Kenney and lasted until May 18, 2023, when it was officially dissolved ahead of the next election. The Assembly’s tenure included significant legislative actions, economic challenges due to the pandemic, and debates over energy policy and healthcare reform.

First sitting date: The Assembly convened on April 30, 2019, at the Alberta Legislature Building in Edmonton, marking the formal start of legislative business.
UCP majority: The United Conservative Party won 63 out of 87 seats, securing a strong mandate to govern and implement their platform.
Official Opposition: The Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Rachel Notley, became the Official Opposition with 24 seats after losing power.
Legislative focus: Key priorities included repealing carbon tax, overhauling public health systems, and promoting resource development during the Assembly’s term.
Dissolution date: The Assembly was formally dissolved on May 18, 2023, paving the way for the 2023 provincial election and the 28th Assembly.

How It Works

The Legislative Assembly of Alberta is the province’s unicameral lawmaking body, responsible for passing legislation, approving budgets, and holding the executive branch accountable. Each Assembly is numbered sequentially and operates for a maximum of five years unless dissolved earlier.

Term: The 27th Assembly lasted from April 30, 2019, to May 18, 2023, spanning just over four years due to an early dissolution. The fixed election date law was suspended, allowing earlier elections.
Election method: Members were elected via first-past-the-post voting in 87 single-member constituencies across Alberta, each representing approximately 50,000 people.
Government formation: The UCP, led by Jason Kenney, formed a majority government after winning more than half the seats, enabling them to pass legislation without opposition support.
Legislative sessions: The Assembly held multiple sessions, including special sittings during the COVID-19 pandemic to address emergency measures and economic relief.
Speaker of the Assembly:Nathan Cooper was elected Speaker, responsible for maintaining order, recognizing members, and overseeing parliamentary procedure.
Key legislation: Notable bills included the Climate Leadership Act repeal, changes to education funding, and the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act in 2022.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 27th Assembly with previous sessions highlights shifts in party dominance, policy direction, and public engagement:

Assembly	Years Active	Governing Party	Seats Held	Major Policy Focus
25th	2012–2015	Progressive Conservative	61/87	Resource development, budget surplus
26th	2015–2019	NDP	54/87	Carbon tax, healthcare reform
27th	2019–2023	United Conservative Party	63/87	Repeal carbon tax, sovereignty debate
28th	2023–present	UCP (re-elected)	36/87	Healthcare expansion, affordability
24th	2008–2012	Progressive Conservative	72/87	Infrastructure investment, royalty review

This table illustrates how the 27th Assembly reflected a conservative shift after the NDP’s single term, returning energy-focused policies to the forefront. It also shows declining seat counts for governing parties over time, indicating increasing political competition in Alberta.

Why It Matters

The 27th Legislative Assembly shaped Alberta’s response to national and global challenges, from economic downturns to public health crises. Its decisions continue to influence provincial policy and intergovernmental relations.

Energy policy reversal: The UCP repealed Alberta’s carbon tax and withdrew from the federal carbon pricing system, aligning with industry interests.
Healthcare restructuring: The government dissolved Alberta Health Services’ board and appointed an interim leader, sparking debate over politicization.
Sovereignty Act: Passed in 2022, the Alberta Sovereignty Act allowed the province to challenge federal laws deemed harmful to Alberta’s interests.
Pandemic response: The Assembly passed emergency measures, including public health restrictions and financial support for businesses and individuals.
Education changes: Curriculum revisions and education funding reforms were introduced, affecting K–12 and post-secondary institutions.
Political accountability: The Assembly provided a platform for opposition parties to challenge government decisions, ensuring transparency and debate.

The 27th Assembly’s legacy lies in its assertive stance on provincial autonomy and economic recovery, setting a precedent for future governance in Alberta.