Can Alberta's Premier Change Mid-Term? Here's What You Need to Know

Alberta's political landscape is often dynamic, but have you ever wondered how a premier could change mid-term without a provincial election? It's a rare but possible scenario thanks to the Alberta Recall Act. This legislation allows eligible voters to initiate a process to remove a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from office between elections.

To trigger a recall vote, a petition needs signatures from a hefty 60% of the electors who voted in that electoral district in the most recent election. You've got 90 days to gather them. If successful, the MLA is removed, and a by-election is called. The Premier is typically the leader of the party holding the most seats. A shift in which party controls the majority can happen through these by-elections or an internal leadership change within the governing party. Such a shake-up might even prompt discussions of a snap election to address potential non-confidence in the current government.

Alberta has seen its share of leadership shifts; since 2010, the province has had six different premiers, averaging a new leader every two years. For Calgarians, understanding these political mechanisms is especially relevant as our city navigates its own evolving governance. The recent 2025 municipal election, for instance, marked the first time candidates could run with political party affiliations, a significant change that introduced a new layer of partisan dynamics to local politics. Staying informed on how our government operates ensures your voice truly influences Calgary's future.