Danielle Smith makes history as first Alberta Premier in almost 90 years to face citizen-led recall amid allegations of ignoring constituents and weakening public services

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is now the second premier in the province’s history, and the first in almost 90 years, to confront a citizen-led effort to remove her from office. Elections Alberta on Wednesday(December 10) officially authorized recall petitions targeting Smith and two members of her United Conservative Party (UCP) caucus, triggering a series of campaigns that could force recall votes.

In total, 20 of the UCP’s 47 caucus members are now subject to recall petitions. One Alberta NDP MLA, Amanda Chapman, is also facing a signature drive.

Heather VanSnick is leading the recall push in Premier Danielle Smith’s Brooks, Medicine Hat riding, where she must secure just over 12,000 signatures to advance the petition. In her filing, VanSnick asserts that Smith has overlooked community concerns and has not adequately consulted experts when crafting policies.

Who is Danielle Smith?

Marlaina Danielle Smith is a Canadian politician, media personality, former columnist, and lobbyist who has served as Alberta’s 19th premier and leader of the United Conservative Party since 2022. Born in Calgary, she studied English and economics at the University of Calgary. Before entering politics, Smith worked across print, radio, and television journalism, sharing her views on politics and healthcare.

“Effective leadership requires genuine connection and consistent engagement, both absent in her tenure,” VanSnick wrote.

VanSnick also contends that Smith should be removed from office, arguing the premier has weakened public services by prioritizing privatization. “Ms. Smith is no longer fit to serve,” she said.

Smith rejected the claim that she has been ignoring local voices.

“I regularly make myself available to meet with constituents and I routinely host town halls across my riding,” Smith said. “I’m proud to serve the people of Brooks-Medicine Hat and I use the feedback I hear from all of you to help inform all decisions, big or small, that our government makes.”

Petitions were also launched against Technology Minister Nate Glubish in the Strathcona–Sherwood Park riding east of Edmonton, as well as against Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz in Calgary Shaw.

Petitioners seeking to remove Glubish and Schulz argue the ministers have ignored constituent concerns, a claim both MLAs reject, saying they are engaged and delivering real results.

Of Alberta’s 19 premiers, only Danielle Smith and former Social Credit leader William Aberhart have been subjected to a citizen recall, despite the decades separating their cases. Aberhart’s government introduced the Legislative Assembly (Recall Act) in 1936 after campaigning on greater accountability. But just a year later, voters in his Okotoks–High River riding used the law against him, accusing him of failing to deliver on major promises, especially monetary reform.

Aberhart claimed that hidden actors were manipulating events to push him out, and within weeks, his government voted to repeal the recall law.

Jason Kenney’s UCP pledged in 2019 to bring back the Recall Act, and his government followed through by passing the legislation in 2021.

Earlier this year, Smith’s UCP eased recall rules, but the party and Jason Kenney say they’re being misused for policy disputes. Petitioners have three months to collect signatures equal to 60 percent of 2023 votes, triggering a recall vote and possible byelection. Alberta’s next general election is Oct. 18, 2027.