Premier Danielle Smith struck a combative tone Tuesday as recall petition efforts gain momentum against several United Conservative Party MLAs, including Finance Minister Nate Horner and Health Minister Adriana LaGrange.
“Let me be perfectly clear – my caucus and I were elected to make difficult decisions for Alberta’s future, not to win popularity contests,” Smith told reporters at an impromptu press conference in Edmonton. “We stand firmly behind our record.”
The recall campaigns, led by a coalition of public sector unions and grassroots organizations, have already collected over 25,000 signatures in LaGrange’s Red Deer riding and nearly 18,000 in Horner’s Drumheller-Stettler constituency. Under Alberta’s Recall Act, petitioners need signatures from 40% of eligible voters within 60 days to trigger a recall vote.
Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour, told me the campaigns reflect growing public frustration. “Albertans are tired of a government that cuts essential services while giving tax breaks to profitable corporations. This isn’t about politics – it’s about accountability.”
The recall efforts come amid plummeting approval ratings for Smith’s government. A recent Angus Reid poll shows UCP support at just 32%, down from 53% following their 2023 election victory. The poll cites healthcare restructuring and public pension changes as primary concerns for voters.
Political scientist Lisa Young from the University of Calgary notes the unprecedented nature of these recall campaigns. “We’ve never seen organized recall efforts target sitting cabinet ministers in Alberta before. This speaks to the depth of voter dissatisfaction, particularly in rural areas that traditionally support conservative governments.”
Smith’s government has faced mounting criticism for its controversial Alberta Pension Plan proposal and healthcare reforms that critics say have led to longer wait times and reduced rural services. The Premier maintains these changes are necessary for Alberta’s long-term prosperity.
“Every decision we’ve made is about securing Alberta’s future independence and economic stability,” Smith insisted. “Change is difficult, but Albertans elected us to make these tough choices.”
Opposition NDP Leader Rachel Notley sees the recall campaigns differently. “This government promised Albertans they would listen. Instead, they’ve rammed through ideological changes without consultation or consent. These recall efforts reflect genuine grassroots anger,” Notley said during question period.
The recall efforts highlight growing regional tensions. In Drumheller, local business owner Margaret Wilson started collecting signatures after her husband waited 18 hours for emergency care. “I’ve voted conservative my whole life, but this isn’t about politics anymore. It’s about my community losing services we depend on,” Wilson explained during a community meeting I attended last week.
Minister LaGrange defended healthcare changes in a written statement: “Our reforms are addressing decades of mismanagement. Short-term challenges are unavoidable as we build a more sustainable system.” LaGrange declined multiple interview requests.
Former UCP cabinet minister Leela Aheer, who was removed from caucus after criticizing Smith’s leadership, believes the recalls reflect a government disconnected from voter concerns. “When you stop listening to the people who elected you, this is what happens. The UCP has forgotten who they work for,” Aheer told me by phone.
Political strategist Ken Boessenkool suggests the UCP should take these efforts seriously. “Recall campaigns rarely succeed, but they can damage a government’s brand and create momentum for opposition. Smith needs to address the underlying concerns rather than dismiss them,” Boessenkool explained.
The Premier insisted her government won’t change course despite the pressure. “Albertans will thank us when they see the results. Strong leadership means making unpopular decisions when necessary.”
As petition organizers continue gathering signatures across the province, the coming weeks will test whether Smith’s defiance resonates with voters or further fuels discontent. For now, both sides appear entrenched, with Smith doubling down on her agenda while recall supporters grow more determined.
“We didn’t want this fight,” said petition organizer James Hawkins in Stettler. “But when our government stops listening, sometimes you need to speak louder.”
