Holding elected officials accountable

Overview

The Recall Act (formerly Bill 52) strengthens democracy by allowing Albertans to hold elected officials accountable throughout their term, not just during elections.

The Recall Act creates a process that could lead to the recall of elected officials, including Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), municipal officials and school trustees.

It also sets contribution, expense and third party advertising rules for a recall petition and recall vote. These rules would be aligned, where possible, with the Election Act and Election Finance and Contributions Disclosure Act.

Key changes

The Recall Act creates processes for Albertans to petition to remove certain types of elected officials.

Recalling an MLA

An Albertan would apply to the Chief Electoral Officer for a petition to recall their MLA if they feel they are not upholding their responsibilities.

If approved, the applicant would have 60 days to gather signatures from 40% of eligible voters in that constituency.

If the petition is successful, a recall vote would occur. If the recall vote is successful, the official ceases to hold office and a by-election would be held.

Recalling a municipal official

An Albertan may apply to their municipality’s Chief Administrative Officer for a petition to recall the municipal official they feel is not upholding their responsibilities.

If approved, the applicant would have 60 days to gather signatures from eligible voters comprising 40% of the population of the municipality or ward.

If the petition is successful, the Chief Administrative Officer would make a declaration at the next council meeting. The official would be removed at that time.

An Albertan can begin the recall process 18 months after a councillor is elected and up to December 31 of the year before the next municipal general election.

• Recall of a Municipal Councillor - Information for Albertans
• Recall of a Municipal Councillor Handbook

Recalling a school trustee

An Albertan would apply to the secretary of the school board for a petition to recall the school board trustee they feel is not upholding their responsibilities.

If approved, the applicant would have 120 days to gather signatures from 40% of eligible voters in that school district.

If the petition is successful, the official is removed and the board would decide if a by-election is necessary.

• Recall Act Fact Sheet
• Select Special Democratic Accountability Committee Final Report: Citizen’s Initiative and Recall

Next steps

The Recall Act came into force on April 7, 2022.

News

• Holding elected officials accountable in Alberta (March 15, 2021)