Alberta Premier Defends Minister Amid Election Law Allegations

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is urgently defending Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally as he faces serious accusations of breaching election laws in response to a recall petition aimed at him. In a striking public statement, Nally claimed the constituent behind the recall effort did not vote in the last election, raising questions about the legitimacy of the petition.

During a heated question period, NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi confronted Nally regarding the alleged misuse of a confidential voter list from Elections Alberta. Smith dismissed calls for Nally’s removal, asserting he was mistaken about the constituent’s voting status. “I know the member opposite likes to think himself as judge, jury and executioner, but we do have due process in this province,” Smith stated.

As of October 25, 2023, a total of 14 Alberta government MLAs are now embroiled in recall campaigns, a significant political challenge for the governing United Conservative Party (UCP). Smith emphasized that her MLAs are prepared to defend their records. “This is a record that my minister is going to be able to stand on,” she declared, highlighting Nally’s contributions to reducing red tape and enhancing business operations in Alberta.

The recall process, outlined in Alberta’s Recall Act, allows eligible voters to collect signatures to attempt to expel their MLA if they believe the representative is failing in their duties. Campaigners have three months to gather signatures equal to 60 percent of the votes cast in the constituency during the 2023 election. If successful, a vote will determine if the MLA retains their seat, potentially leading to a byelection.

Political scientist Lori Williams noted the high threshold for success in these petitions, stating, “It’s important to understand that this is a high, high threshold that’s unlikely to succeed in any of these ridings.” Despite this, the growing anger among constituents over various issues—including the use of the notwithstanding clause to end a provincewide teachers strike—could fuel momentum for the petitions.

The political landscape is tense, with the NDP holding 38 seats and two independent members in a house where UCP faces potential upheaval. With 14 petitions filed, almost one-third of UCP members are now engaged in the recall process, raising concerns about the balance of power in the legislature.

The situation is evolving rapidly, and the outcomes of these recall efforts could reshape Alberta’s political future. Observers are particularly watching battleground ridings, including Calgary-Bow and Calgary-North, where margins of victory were razor-thin in the last election. “If enough people are mad, anybody could be vulnerable,” Williams warned, indicating that even traditionally safe UCP strongholds could be at risk.

As this story develops, the political ramifications for Smith and her cabinet grow increasingly significant. The coming weeks will reveal whether these recall initiatives gain enough traction to challenge the UCP’s grip on power in Alberta.