A Guide to the Many United Conservative MLAs Facing Recall

Danielle Smith’s United Conservative Party is going into the new year with more than a third of its caucus facing recall petitions that have been issued by Alberta’s elections-oversight body.

As of mid-December, a total of 20 UCP MLAs are now facing challenges from constituents across the province, with the most recent additions to the list being Premier Smith, Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish and Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz, according to Elections Alberta. That represents 43% of the UCP’s 47 seats in the legislature.

Campaigning for a recall won’t be easy for the applicants. Under current rules, each recall petition must attract signatures equalling 60% of the total number of votes cast in the MLA’s electoral division in the last election. Additionally, signatures must belong to eligible voters who have lived in the division for at least three months, and must be submitted within 90 days of a petition’s approval.

With these petitions having been issued since late October, this means campaigns will have to mobilize canvassers and volunteers to do ground work gathering signatures in the winter months. Many of the petitions are looking at February filing deadlines.

It was recent moves by the Smith UCP that set off the cascade of recall petitions.

Statements submitted to the elections oversight body suggest that the government’s use of the Charter’s notwithstanding clause in a number of recent bills was a dominant concern among applicants. Out of the submissions, which were limited to 100 words each, more than half cited support for the clause as a reason for recalling the MLA in question.

As of last week, the clause had been invoked four times by the UCP in just two months.

Using the notwithstanding clause, Bill 2, the Back to School Act, forced more than 50,000 teachers to accept a contract they’d previously rejected, sending them back to work. Bill 9, an anti-trans bill passed last Wednesday, controls pronouns students are permitted to use in schools, enforces a ban on puberty blockers and stops transgender girls from participating in female sports.

In addition, most applicants’ statements cited a member’s unresponsiveness to their constituency, and generally failing to represent community interests, as top concerns.

One additional, lone recall petition is targeting NDP MLA Amanda Chapman, the party’s education critic, over “divisive rhetoric” and “partisan attacks” [pdf].

In total, 24% of all Alberta MLAs are now the subject of an issued petition, including 12 of 25 cabinet ministers.

Here, in alphabetical order, are the 20 UCP officials currently facing recalls, the reasons cited and what they’ve said in response:

Nolan Dyck, Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous and Rural Policing (Grande Prairie)

Dyck is facing recall for supporting the notwithstanding clause and generally ignoring constituents, according to the statement from the applicant, Casey Klein [pdf].

Klein wrote, “Nolan is inaccessible to the public, ignoring emails, responding with form letters, and refusing phone calls.” He continues, “As well, Nolan’s support for using the notwithstanding clause to restrict teachers’ right to strike blatantly disregards workers’ rights.”

In a response [pdf] submitted to Elections Alberta, Dyck stated that he’d met with Klein as recently as August and responded to her emails within three business days.

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women (Calgary-Peigan)

Bill 2 features prominently in this petition, among several other grievances.

The submission from petitioner Chelsea Barnowich [pdf] states that Fir “has supported harmful policies such as Bill 2, education funding cuts, and the use of the Notwithstanding Clause while neglecting vulnerable Albertans. As a minister, she cut women’s services, endorsed coal mining, and refused to denounce separatism — showing poor judgment and disregard for public trust.”

In response [pdf], Fir stated, “Recall legislation wasn’t intended for dissatisfaction with government policy. It’s clear this recall is a coordinated attempt to weaponize recall legislation and overturn democratic elections due to policy disagreements.”

Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation (Strathcona-Sherwood Park)

One of the most recently approved applications, the petition to recall Glubish concerns the minister’s support for the notwithstanding clause and the potential use of AI to write Alberta laws.

“He has been absent for key legislative votes and does not consult the community before opposing issues that affect them, including minimum-wage increases and using the Notwithstanding clause,” wrote petitioner Drake Worth [pdf]. “He has also advanced Al-generated legislation without public consultation, raising transparency and equity concerns.”

Glubish was noticeably less defensive in his response [pdf] compared to the rest of his colleagues, saying, “I respect the recall process and look forward to defending my record as MLA and Minister.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services (Red Deer-North)

The LaGrange recall effort focuses on two main items: her cuts to education during the pandemic that resulted in mass layoffs for teachers’ assistants when she was Minister of Education, and for the “Corrupt Care” scandal as Health Minister.

“Adriana LaGrange must be held accountable for her actions,” wrote petitioner Danny Carlisle [pdf]. “She has proven herself to be unresponsive to the concerns of her constituents and unfit to serve Albertans.”

In her response, LaGrange noted [pdf], “I was not the Minister of Health when matters now before the courts were negotiated.”

Jackie Lovely (Camrose)

Lovely faces a recall petition over her record on big files like healthcare, education and workers’ rights.

The application from Theressa Hill [pdf] states, “Jackie Lovely has prioritized party loyalty over the needs and voices of her constituents. Many people state that MLA Lovely’s office has been unresponsive to their inquiries and concerns.

“Despite repeated concerns from parents, teachers, and school boards, MLA Lovely has not publicly advocated for increased funding or meaningful reform.”

Lovely has denied this [pdf], saying, “To suggest that I have been unresponsive is simply incorrect. I remain fully committed to being accessible, accountable, and engaged with the Albertans I represent.”

Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education (Calgary-Fish Creek)

The recall submission against McDougall cites support for Bill 2, cuts to postsecondary institutions and ignoring constituents [pdf].

Applicant Serenity Shalev wrote, “His support of Bill 2 and the notwithstanding clause shows that he’s not interested in upholding a democratic and legal government, instead is compliant in dismantling democracy.”

McDougall responded [pdf], “Our community deserves steady leadership, not political games. Recall legislation exists to hold MLAs accountable for serious misconduct, not to be used by individuals who simply disagree with government policy.”

Ric McIver, Speaker (Calgary-Hays)

McIver’s involvement in conservative provincial politics dates back to the Alison Redford days in 2012, having served as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Transportation.

Applicant Oana Uritescu largely cites McIver’s record from his time as minister [pdf], along with “past ethical concerns.”

“He has supported legislation that reduces democratic control and weakens municipal accountability. His record shows limited progress on infrastructure, education, and community priorities in southeast Calgary,” Uritescu wrote.

McIver responded [pdf], “As Speaker, I am a non-partisan parliamentarian, removed from government policy. This recall effort is not about my conduct; it’s a coordinated attempt to overturn democratic elections.”

Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction (Morinville-St. Albert)

Use of the notwithstanding clause was the reason behind petitioner Joshua Eberhart’s submission [pdf].

“During the days leading up to the passing of Bill 2, there was widespread opposition to use of the notwithstanding clause from Albertans across the province, which does not appear to have been appropriately considered by UCP MLAs, including Dale Nally,” Eberhart wrote.

Nally has dismissed the recall efforts, calling them part of a coordinated campaign targeting UCP MLAs, in comments to the St. Albert Gazette.

Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities (Lethbridge-East)

Ryan Tanner’s petition [pdf] stands out from the others as being milder in its wording and lacking specific grievances. It states the minister “demonstrates a disconnect” and “inability to meet the needs, desires, and expectations of those he represents.”

This particular petition campaign has created frustration in his riding of Lethbridge-East, with residents who want to support a recall campaign finding it difficult to get involved. It’s drawn accusations of having been set up in place of a “real recall petition.”

Neudorf responded, “Recall legislation was designed for cases of serious misconduct, not policy disagreements” [pdf].

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare (Calgary-Bow)

The petition to recall Nicolaides centres on the issues that caused the October teachers’ strike to begin with.

Applicant Jennifer Yeremiy submits that Nicolaides “prioritizes privatization” of education by massively increasing funding to charter schools, at the same time as “public education faces overcrowded classrooms, inappropriate curricula, inadequate resources, and insufficient funding and staff” [pdf].

Nicolaides’ response complained about the use of recall legislation, stating “Recalls should be reserved for breaches of public trust, ethical violations, or dereliction of duty, not a shortcut to trigger a new election over political differences” [pdf].

Angela Pitt, Deputy Speaker (Airdrie-East)

Pitt attempted to discredit the petition concerning her by accusing its applicant, a school principal, of having submitted it to Elections Alberta over the UCP’s use of the notwithstanding clause to end the teachers strike.

The petition was in fact approved several days before the government announced its intention to invoke the clause. Organizer Derek Keenan said the reason was that Pitt hadn’t been representing constituents [pdf].

Keenan cited divisive rhetoric, unfounded claims on social media and a lack of availability and engagement on local issues.

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations (Calgary-Northwest)

The petition against Sawhney is based on concerns over prioritizing party loyalty over constituents, and unavailability [pdf].

Applicant Melissa Craig wrote, “Despite repeated attempts by residents to communicate with her — through phone calls and emails — their concerns often go unanswered, leaving many feeling unheard and unrepresented.”

Sawhney’s response [pdf] didn’t directly address availability concerns, and instead emphasized her support for homeowners associations and the Calgary Police.

Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas (Calgary-Shaw)

Along with Schulz’s support for Bill 2, the statement cites conflict-of-interest concerns over her husband’s lobbying ties [pdf].

In addition, petitioner Ethan Disler submitted that by voting for Bill 2, Schulz has “violated her own constituents’ constitutional right to strike and negotiate.”

In her response [pdf] , Schulz, a former party leadership candidate, avoids mention of Bill 2 and states responsiveness to constituents is a core responsibility of her constituency office.

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation (Highwood)

Petitioner Molly Metcalf also cited the notwithstanding clause in her submission [pdf]. On top of not responding to calls, letters or maintaining office hours, according to Metcalf, Sigurdson does not “effectively represent his constituents” and instead “votes to remove their rights.”

Sigurdson says [pdf], that the “decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause was not taken lightly” and that he remains “fully committed to listening to and representing all constituents.”

Peter Singh (Calgary-East)

Singh is a UCP loyalist from the early days of the party under Jason Kenney. This petition by Denise Louise Hammond lists a number of grievances [pdf], including his support for Bill 2 despite apparently not having fully read it.

“Mr. Singh does not respond to emails, and his engagement with his constituents is minimal. He voted for Bill 2 and the use of the notwithstanding clause to strip teachers of their charter rights, and admitted to not reading the bill in its entirety. Despite knowing that many of his constituents access AISH [Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped], he did not attempt to prevent cuts to the program or speak out against it,” wrote Hammond.

In Singh’s response statement [pdf], he said, “Recall legislation is meant for cases of serious misconduct, not partisan disagreements over government policy.”

Danielle Smith, Premier (Brooks-Medicine Hat)

The approval of a petition to recall Danielle Smith was first reported by CityNews in early December, though only announced by Elections Alberta the following week. The stated reasons included Smith’s disconnect from the Brooks-Medicine Hat riding she was elected to represent. The applicant says Smith has no history in or understanding of the community.

Petitioner Heather VanSnick also pointed to the Smith government’s weakening of public services and push towards privatization [pdf].

Smith has been walking a tightrope between disgruntled voters and far-right separatist elements within her own party — an influential faction that is increasingly fed up with her, with some booing when she was onstage at the recent party AGM.

Jason Stephan, Parliamentary Secretary for Constitutional Affairs (Red Deer-South)

In this petition, Stephan is accused by petitioner Nicole Green of being unresponsive, hiding from constituents during the teachers strike and supporting a separatist agenda.

“He closed his office during the teachers’ strike and then voted yes to use the notwithstanding clause to force teachers back to work,” wrote Green [pdf]. “He supports a separatist agenda, has disdain for French speakers, has failed to take his duties seriously by travelling against government advice and delaying his own swearing-in.”

Stephan is open about his support for the notwithstanding clause, saying it’s good for Alberta.

His response to the petition [pdf] highlighted his removal of the “NDP drug consumption site” in Red Deer, and vows that he will continue “seeking freedom and prosperity for Albertans.”

Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services (Spruce Grove-Stony Plain)

The petition concerning Turton cites a lack of engagement with constituents and his support for Bill 2.

“Time and again, Searle has failed to respond to emails or meaningfully address concerns of constituents,” wrote petitioner Mona O’Neill [pdf]. “Searle did not allow constituents to see the contents or provide feedback on Bill 2 prior to his voting in favour of this unprecedented restriction of his constituents’ Charter rights.”

Turton did not file a response with Elections Alberta.

Glenn van Dijken (Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock)

Petitioner Aaron Conner accuses van Dijken of “dereliction of duty” [pdf] in a submission that claims the MLA is unresponsive, refuses to engage, and fails to protect the rights of constituents.

Van Dijken responded [pdf], saying “partisan activists have weaponized recall petitions.”

Muhammad Yaseen, Associate Minister of Multiculturalism (Calgary-North)

The petition to recall Yaseen is based on his support for Bill 2.

Applicant Siobhan Cooksley wrote [pdf], “Yaseen has remained unresponsive and disengaged. His vote in favor of Bill 2, which used the notwithstanding clause to force teachers back to work, shows a disregard for workers’ rights, collective bargaining, and public education.”

Yaseen responded, stating [pdf] that he supported Bill 2 to “end a strike that left 750,000 students out of classrooms for weeks, a difficult but necessary step to protect children’s education and stability. This recall arises from policy disagreements, not my performance as an MLA.”

MLA headshots via the websites of the Government of Alberta, Legislative Assembly of Alberta and United Conservative Caucus.