Elections Alberta, the body responsible for conducting provincial elections, referendums and by-elections, has received an additional $6.7 million to manage the sudden surge in recall petitions against legislature members. This funding boost was unanimously approved by a legislative committee during a meeting held on Friday. The surge in recall petitions is an unprecedented event in Alberta’s political history, prompting the need for additional resources to handle the situation.
Reason For The Funding Increase
Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure had advised a week prior that additional funds were necessary to manage the significant increase in recall petitions. Since the end of October, McClure’s office has issued 21 recall petitions, with all but one being against members of Premier Danielle Smith’s United Conservative caucus. This includes a recall petition against the Premier herself.
Breakdown of the Additional Funding
McClure explained that verifying each petition would cost just over $300,000, necessitating $1.5 million for shipping and postage of petition documents. Staffing costs required an additional $2.4 million. UCP members were relieved to hear the revised cost estimates after initial projections suggested each petition would cost over $1 million to administer.
Political Reactions
Despite the unanimous agreement on the funding necessity, members of the committee sparred verbally. Opposition NDP member Lorne Dach described the governing caucus’ support as a “stunning reversal” compared to previous conversations. UCP committee member Chelsae Petrovic, however, clarified that the issue was not about lack of funding but ensuring appropriate use of funds.
Recall Campaigns Across the Province
The recall campaigns span across the province, including three MLAs who are part of the committee approving the funding. In response, the provincial ethics commissioner advised these members to recuse themselves from voting out of “an abundance of caution”.
Underlying Reasons For Recall Petitions
Those initiating the petitions have cited their representatives’ failure to address constituents’ concerns and viewpoints. The government’s use of the notwithstanding clause to end a provincewide teachers strike in October is a commonly stated reason. Jason Schilling, president of the Alberta Teachers’ Association, believes the surge in recall petitions is indicative of Albertans’ sentiments about the government’s move.
Additional Funding for Likely Referendum
McClure’s office also received an additional $3 million to prepare for a possible referendum next year. The referendum is expected to follow Premier Smith’s summer tour with her Alberta Next panel, which sought Albertans’ opinions on various topics such as immigration reform and creating a provincial pension plan.
Budgetary Concerns
While the committee approved McClure’s funding request in full, the budget request for the next fiscal year was only partially met. The committee approved about $51 million from his requested total of just over $64 million. However, the amount is still an increase compared to the current budget year, and the additional funds should enable Elections Alberta to start preparations for the 2027 general election.
