Alberta NDP Leader Nenshi wins seat in by-election, separatists have weak showing

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is set to make his debut in the legislature in October, after winning a by-election in the safest riding in the province for the New Democrats, while the governing United Conservative Party trounced an upstart separatist challenger in another race.

Mr. Nenshi won the leadership of the NDP a year ago but lacked a seat as an MLA. His Monday night victory means, come fall, he will be able to directly challenge Premier Danielle Smith in the legislature, giving him more visibility across the province. He faced little resistance in Edmonton-Strathcona, previously represented by Rachel Notley, the NDP stalwart and former premier.