Citizen-led recall bid against Alberta premier falls far short of threshold
CBC
A petition looking to oust Alberta Premier Danielle Smith from her seat in the legislature has failed.
Smith is the second premier in Alberta's history to face a recall petition, with the other happening nearly 90 years ago.
Heather VanSnick says her campaign against Smith gathered close to 2,300 signatures — but it needed at least 12,000 to move the process forward.
VanSnick says she still thinks the petition was useful and that 2,300 people calling for better representation in Smith's riding of Brooks-Medicine Hat sends a powerful message.
Smith collected more than 13,000 votes in the last general election, handily defeating all opponents.
"This process has made clear that there are many people that don't feel represented, not just by her as our MLA but by her as our premier," VanSnick said in an interview Tuesday.
She said she hopes the turnout is enough to prompt change.
"People are telling me that they are tired of leadership that turns to blame, and we need accountability," VanSnick said.
"We're tired of seeing division deepen when what we need is a coming together of humanity."
Smith, in a statement, thanked constituents for their support throughout the petition process.
"My focus and commitment remain unchanged — I will continue working to deliver results for you and listen to your feedback as our government works to grow the economy, improve access to health care, and ensure quality education for our families," the premier said.
It wasn't the first time Smith had been subject to a recall effort, though it was the first under the legislated process introduced by former premier Jason Kenney in 2021.
In 2014 when Smith — then leader of the Wildrose Party — crossed the floor to join the governing Progressive Conservatives, some frustrated residents in her riding south of Calgary started an informal petition to pressure her to resign her seat and stand in a byelection.
Those behind the campaign told CBC Calgary at the time that the goal was to get 6,000 signatures, or about 20 per cent of total electors in the riding.
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