Recall rallies planned across Alberta this weekend

There will be multiple rallies in support of Alberta's recall campaigns this weekend. Mason DePatie reports.

Recall campaigners across Alberta are planning province-wide rallies this weekend as they say pressure is mounting on UCP MLAs, including Premier Danielle Smith.

Saturday’s events are being billed as a “Provincial Day of Recall,” with rallies and signing events scheduled in multiple communities on Feb. 7.

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Each campaign is organizing locally within its own riding, but organizers say the coordinated effort is meant to highlight what they describe as growing grassroots momentum behind the recall movement.

Recall leaders say MLAs targeted by recall efforts have recently increased their visibility in their ridings, but argue that it comes too late and is carefully managed.

“We’re seeing MLAs suddenly show up more often, but avoiding great opportunities to engage with constituents who are gathering, connecting, and talking about recall,” said Brittany Doctor, a leader with the recall effort targeting Smith.

Doctor added that many MLA events are not publicly advertised in advance and are instead organized through internal party membership lists, which she says limits broader public participation.

Organizers behind other recall campaigns echoed that concern, saying MLAs are avoiding rallies, protests, and signing events as recall efforts expand.

“The fact that they are avoiding their constituents — the people they are responsible for representing — tells us this movement is creating real pressure on the government,” said Chelsea Barnowich, an organizer with the recall campaign targeting MLA Tanya Fir.

The recall movement began in Calgary-Bow, targeting Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides. That effort did not reach the required number of signatures.

Since then, organizers say recall campaigns have launched in 24 ridings across Alberta.

Smith has publicly criticized Alberta’s recall legislation, suggesting it is being misused. Recall organizers reject that characterization.