Calgary Hosts Crucial Leadership Battles as Poilievre and Smith Face Challenges
Calgary is poised to be a key political battleground in the coming months, with significant federal and provincial developments on the horizon. The city will host Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre's mandatory leadership review from January 29-31, 2026, where thousands of delegates are expected at the new BMO Centre. This comes amidst questions about Poilievre's leadership, particularly following recent defections and early retirements of Conservative MPs. While Calgary is often considered a Conservative stronghold, the outcome of the review is seen as critical, given that recent CPC leaders have not survived election losses.
Concurrently, Premier Danielle Smith and her United Conservative Party MLAs are grappling with a growing wave of recall efforts across Alberta, with several targeting Calgary representatives. In Calgary-North West, Melissa Craig has initiated a petition to recall MLA and Minister of Indigenous Relations Rajan Sawhney, needing approximately 15,000 signatures within 90 days. Similarly, Jenny Yermiy is leading a campaign in Calgary-Bow to recall Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, aiming to gather 16,006 signatures by January 21, 2026. These local efforts are part of a broader provincial movement, with over 20 UCP MLAs now facing recall attempts. The Premier has expressed concerns about the recall process, which was introduced by the UCP in 2022, and is reportedly considering amendments, especially after a UCP-dominated committee significantly reduced funding for Elections Alberta to manage these petitions.
Calgary's dual role as host to a federal leadership challenge and the epicentre of provincial recall campaigns underscores its enduring influence in shaping both Alberta's political trajectory and the national conservative landscape.
