Petitioner looking to recall Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says application approved

By Canadian Press on December 3, 2025.

EDMONTON — A woman looking to launch a recall petition to oust Alberta Premier Danielle Smith from her seat in the legislature says her campaign has been officially approved.

Heather VanSnick says she has received a letter from Elections Alberta saying she will be getting the go-ahead to start the petition drive against Smith.

VanSnick cannot begin collecting signatures yet because Smith still has a week to file a response before the three-month petition campaign is formally recognized.

Once it goes ahead, it’s a lengthy, multistage process — and 14 other members of Smith’s United Conservative caucus are already facing recall campaigns.

VanSnick says Smith needs to be removed as the MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat because she has failed to consult and represent residents.

Smith has not responded to a request for comment, but a United Conservative caucus spokesperson says the recall process was meant for major breaches of duty, and not for policy disagreements.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2025.

Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press

11
-10