By Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press

Provincial Politics

Alberta’s Smith hopes failing recall petitions a sign people feel heard

Mar 2, 2026 | 2:48 PM

Premier Danielle Smith says she hopes failing recall petitions against members of her caucus mean Albertans are feeling heard.

Two dozen recall petitions were launched late last year against United Conservative Party legislature members, but so far none have been successful.

Many were started after Smith’s government used the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to end a provincewide teachers strike last fall.

Smith says that generated plenty of concern, but she thinks teachers and parents are relieved to have schools back in session.

She says she hopes investments in classroom complexity problems proves that the government has taken teachers’ concerns seriously since the strike.

The premier says she also hopes having at least half the petitions against her caucus come up short is a sign Albertans think her government is on the right path.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 2, 2026.