Term limits for MLAs, premier proposed by Jim Prentice

Alberta Progressive Conservative leadership candidate Jim Prentice says he will implement new term limits if he becomes premier.

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Prentice said Thursday that MLAs would be limited to three terms while the premier would only be able to serve for two terms.

The perceived frontrunner of the Tory leadership race announced the terms as part of his accountability platform.

However, there are already questions about whether the proposed term limits are constitutional.

Prentice says he is committed to the idea.

“It’s very democratic,” he said. “It’s done in other democracies but it ensures that we have turnover in the political process. It ensures that people stay grounded. There’s no reason why someone can’t take a timeout and return to public life.”

Prentice said term limits could be a combination of legislation and party policy.

PC party members will vote for a new leader on Sept. 6.