Alberta MLAs Recalled as Danielle Smith’s Caucus Enters Its “Find Out” Era
Elections Alberta issued three more recall petitions Tuesday, gently reminding the province that democracy is now a full-contact sport. The additions – two rookie United Conservative MLAs and one Opposition New Democrat – bring the active petition total to 26, a number usually reserved for bingo halls or Advent calendars, not legislatures.
With all but two petitions targeting UCP politicians, more than half of Premier Danielle Smith’s 47-member caucus is now officially recall-curious, including Smith herself. Political scientists are reportedly running out of metaphors and have begun using the word “avalanche.”
First-term UCP MLAs Ron Wiebe and Justin Wright joined the recall club after supporting legislation that used the notwithstanding clause to force striking teachers back to work and impose a previously rejected contract. Petitioners say this was less “law and order” and more “government speedrun.”
Meanwhile, NDP labour critic Peggy Wright also faces a petition, proving that in Alberta, bipartisan unity is alive and well – at least when it comes to being recalled.
As one petitioner put it, an MLA’s job is to defend rights, not delete them. Elections Alberta confirmed the quote will fit nicely on a future plaque.
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