Recall organizers continue wait for Smith’s acknowledgement

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on December 10, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The group initiating a recall petition for Premier Danielle Smith continues to wait for answers as the window for a response from the Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA closes.

Campaign organizers say that a member of the team visited Smith’s constituency office in Medicine Hat on Wednesday to deliver notice of the recall proceedings in person, but were told Smith was not present and could not have her next availability confirmed.

The office employee on duty noted that the office is staffed part-time, only six hours Tuesdays to Thursdays, a schedule many constituents say makes it difficult to reach their MLA, say organizers.

Smith has not issued a response to the petition as of the time of writing. Under Elections Alberta rules, Smith has seven days to reply to the applicant’s statement, leaving her until Tuesday. Organizers are hopeful they will be able to begin collecting signatures in the near future.

“Unfortunately non-communication has become her brand,” said petition applicant Heather VanSnick. “Residents are frustrated. They deserve an MLA who shows up and responds.”

VanSnick says she would like to speak with Smith face to face and ask her about the choices she’s been making, especially her use of the notwithstanding clause.

\”People across this riding are ready for meaningful representation,” said VanSnick, adding that residents want to see their representative “more than three times a year.” Organizers also noted they have received some threats regarding the initiative since its existence was made public.

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