Calgary—McCall

Calgary—McCall is a provincial electoral district in Calgary's northeast, encompassing the communities of Martindale, Saddleridge, Skyview Ranch, and surrounding areas. Named after First World War flying ace Frederick McCall and the nearby industrial park, the riding is one of the most ethnically diverse constituencies in Alberta, home to large South Asian, Filipino, and East African communities alongside many other immigrant groups. NDP incumbent Irfan Sabir had won the seat in 2015 and served as Minister of Community and Social Services in Premier Rachel Notley's cabinet, making him one of the NDP's highest-profile Calgary MLAs.

Candidates

Irfan Sabir (NDP) — Born in Kashmir, Pakistan, Sabir moved to Calgary in 2004. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law, a Master of Social Work from the University of Calgary, and a degree in economics from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He practised aboriginal law at a national law firm before entering politics and volunteered with Red Cross Canada, Calgary Legal Guidance, and the Asian Human Rights Commission. As Minister, he introduced the Alberta Child Benefit and ensured that benefits like AISH increased with inflation.

Jasraj Singh Hallan (United Conservative) — Born in Dubai to Indian parents, Hallan immigrated to Canada as a child. He completed an accounting diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and held a certified Master Builder designation, running a homebuilding business in Calgary. He defeated three other candidates to win the UCP nomination in Calgary—McCall.

Avinash Singh Khangura (Alberta Party) — Khangura represented the Alberta Party in the riding, offering a centrist voice in one of northeast Calgary's most closely watched contests.

Local Issues

Immigrant settlement and credential recognition were defining concerns in Calgary—McCall. The riding's large newcomer population included many professionals trained abroad who struggled to have their credentials recognized in Alberta. Doctors, engineers, and tradespeople found themselves unable to work in their fields, and the slow pace of professional credentialing was a persistent source of frustration. Organizations like the Centre for Newcomers, which operated in northeast Calgary, provided settlement services, but demand consistently outstripped capacity.

The rapid growth of communities like Saddleridge and Skyview Ranch brought familiar suburban challenges: pressure on school capacity, limited transit service, and the need for new community infrastructure. In 2018, residents of Saddleridge and nearby Taradale organized to oppose the opening of cannabis retail stores in their neighbourhoods following legalization, with roughly 40 community members attending a city appeal meeting to voice concerns about community safety and the appropriateness of retail cannabis outlets in residential areas.

The economic downturn weighed heavily on northeast Calgary. While the riding's income profile was more modest than some suburban districts, many residents worked in construction, manufacturing, and service industries tied to the energy economy. The NDP government's investments in social programs and the Alberta Child Benefit were tangible benefits for some households, but frustrations over the carbon tax, pipeline uncertainty, and the pace of economic recovery shaped the political landscape heading into election day.