Justin Wright speaks with attendees of an election rally in this May 2023 file photo in Medicine Hat. The Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA is now facing a recall petition, the announcement coming a couple weeks after one launched for Brooks-Medicine Hat MLA and Premier Danielle Smith.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Three new recall petitions have been issued, including Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright.
Petitions were received by Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure and found to meet all requirements section 3(1) of the Recall Act. The members of legislative assembly also include NDP MLA Peggy Wright of Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview and UCP MLA Ron Weibe.
The applicant for Cypress-Medicine Hat’s Wright, Holly Turnbull, says this has been something on her mind for quite some time.
“I will say that when they put out this legislation, initially, I thought it was going to waste everybody’s time and money. What terrible legislation to put forward. And here I am using it just a couple of years later,” said Turnbull.
There are now 24 UCP MLAs and two from the NDP facing recall efforts – roughly 30 per cent of the 87-seat legislature.
Turnbull says her concerns began when she learned of the changes to coal mining and the effect that would have on not only her family’s orchard as property downstream of the activity, but for everyone who relies on the entire region.
That concern continued to grow with the introduction of the compassionate care act, as well as the use of the notwithstanding clause for the Back to School Act, Bill 9 and a story in the legislature later contradicted by RCMP.
“I have some teachers in my family as well, so it struck a nerve, especially with forcing them back into the same conditions. It was just heartbreaking to watch,” said Turnbull.
“This second use of the notwithstanding clause, they actually took the rights away from three different groups of Albertans. And so now it’s not just these children, but now it’s also their parents’ right to choose to access evidence-based care for their kids,” said Turnbull. “It also restricts medical care providers.”
With the petition now officially issued and her only waiting on her canvasser badge, Turnbull feels both excited and overwhelmed with the task ahead for her, but is confident the effort will succeed.
“I really think we’re gonna see people pull through. I think that Albertans, who we are, we cherish our neighbours. And this isn’t it,” said Turnbull. “They recognize this is not a partisan issue anymore. This isn’t about any particular party. This is about preserving what we have built and having it to pass on to our children.”
Wright issued a statement in response to the issued petition, stating he has “consistently represented constituent interests through active legislative participation and community engagement.”
He says his position on coal mining has evolved with stakeholder input and that the Cypress County letter referenced in the legislature in regards to the RCMP was tabled to provide a factual basis for comments made, to ensure “accurate conveyance of constituent correspondence.”
“On healthcare, I have advocated for improvements, facilitated meetings with ministers and advanced constituent concerns through proper channels,” said Wright. “I maintain open communication with constituents across diverse viewpoints and continue to uphold transparent, accountable service to Cypress-Medicine Hat.”
Further updates in regards to his recall campaign will be found on Facebook on the Recall Justin Wright Cypress-Medicine Hat page, Turnbull says.
A spokesperson for the UCP caucus, Mackenzie Blyth, told The Canadian Press that the three new petitions, like those already launched, are an abuse of process.
“The recall process should not be used to overturn democratic elections just because an individual disagrees with government policy,” Blyth said.
“Our United Conservative caucus remains focused on what we were elected to do, which is standing up for Albertans by growing our economy, lowering taxes and creating opportunities.”
Petitioners have three months to collect signatures equal to 60 per cent of the total number of votes cast in their constituency in the 2023 provincial election.
If successful, a constituency-wide vote would be held on whether the politician keeps their seat. If the member loses, a byelection would be held.
As Elections Alberta has announced more and more petitions in recent weeks, the first few campaigns that were approved are nearing their deadlines for signature collection.
Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides was the first to be targeted in October, and the petitioner in that case has until Jan. 21 to collect signatures.
–with files from The Canadian Press
