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EDMONTON — A petition looking to oust Alberta Premier Danielle Smith from her seat in the legislature has failed.
Smith is the second premier in Alberta’s history to face a recall petition, with the other happening nearly 90 years ago.
Heather VanSnick says her campaign against Smith gathered 2,300 of the roughly 12,000 signatures it needed to move the process forward.
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VanSnick says she still thinks the petition was useful and that 2,300 people calling for better representation in Smith’s Brooks-Medicine Hat riding sends a powerful message.
“This process has made clear that there are many people that don’t feel represented, not just by her as our MLA but by her as our premier,” VanSnick said in an interview Tuesday.
She said she hopes the turnout is enough to prompt change.
“People are telling me that they are tired of leadership that turns to blame, and we need accountability,” VanSnick said.
“We’re tired of seeing division deepen when what we need is a coming together of humanity.”
Smith, in a statement, thanked constituents for their support throughout the petition process.
“My focus and commitment remain unchanged — I will continue working to deliver results for you and listen to your feedback as our government works to grow the economy, improve access to health care, and ensure quality education for our families,” the premier said.
Smith is one of 24 members of the United Conservative Party caucus who had petitions launched against them late last year.
VanSnick had said she was doing it because Smith was ignoring residents and experts when developing policies, a claim the premier has denied and pushed back against.
So far, none of the petitions targeting members of Smith’s caucus have reached their required number of signatures. Two petitions were also launched against legislature members with the Opposition NDP.
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.
