The organizer for a petition looking to recall Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright says efforts are getting a lot of support, but more volunteers are needed if interested.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The movement to recall Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright has been met with strong support, but more canvassers will be needed to meet the goal.
Since Dec. 15, petition applicant Holly Turnbull has been hard at work to collect the 13,150 signatures required to meet the requirements of a successful petition under the province’s Recall Act. While there is significant work to be done, Turnbull feels they have had a strong start in the past month.
“We’re getting a ton of support from people that place themselves in all areas of the political spectrum,” said Turnbull. “It’s just actually really motivating to hear the stories, to hear people’s reasons for signing when they come to our signature locations.”
Turnbull was unable to provide an estimate on the current number of signatures attained, as she and her canvassing team have dedicated all energy to collecting signatures over counting them at this time.
Even with this uncertainty, Turnbull says there is a definite appetite within the community for change.
“I think that every single conversation that we’re having, it’s educating both the volunteers like ourselves as well as the general public,” said Turnbull. “I think Canadians are very polite by default. We’re a beautiful, tight-knit community. So when the quiet majority is really motivated to make sure that our neighbours’ rights aren’t taken away, it’s exciting to see that we all come together, just like we did 100 years ago.”
She says this remains not a partisan issue, but instead about holding an MLA she feels has not been representing the community to account.
Looking to the future, while the current momentum is good, Turnbull did tell the News more canvassers are likely needed to be fully confident in a successful petition.
“The number of signatures per canvassers needed right now to reach our target is about 46 signatures per week, and that’s a tall order when we’re talking about everyday citizens,” said Turnbull.
The website for the campaign, recalljustinwrightnow.ca, is expected to be online as of time of publication for those seeking more information. Signatures will continue to be collected until March 23.
