Calgary's Chance for Change: Can Four Seats Shift Alberta's Future?

Calgary and Alberta are gripped by political tension as of October 30, 2025. The United Conservative Party, led by Premier Danielle Smith, holds 47 seats in the Legislature. With 44 seats required for a majority, losing just four could dramatically shift the provincial political landscape. The NDP currently holds 38 seats, alongside two Alberta Party members.

A key flashpoint is the UCP’s recent use of the notwithstanding clause via Bill 2, the "Back to School Act." Introduced on Monday, October 27, 2025, this legislation forced teachers back to work after a strike began on October 6, 2025, and imposed a collective agreement following teachers' rejection of an earlier offer in late September. Critics argue this move, which bypasses judicial review of certain Charter rights for five years, undermines collective bargaining and individual rights, setting a dangerous precedent. For Calgarians, the ongoing dispute affects local schools, with teachers and parents expressing concerns over unresolved issues like class sizes and classroom complexity. The strike also impacted local businesses, with some Calgary restaurants reporting a 60 percent drop in lunchtime traffic.

Calgarians have direct avenues for action through the Alberta Recall Act, allowing eligible voters to initiate a process to remove elected officials. An eligible elector can apply to the Chief Electoral Officer, needing to gather signatures from 40 percent of eligible voters in their constituency within 60 days for an MLA recall. A successful petition can trigger a recall vote and potentially a by-election. The application period for the current MLA term opened November 29, 2024, continuing until six months before the next general election. With a report on October 29, 2025, recommending two new Calgary provincial ridings for the October 18, 2027 election, Calgary's influence in swing ridings is critical to shaping the government that reflects their needs.