Calgarians Rally for Change: 16,000 Signatures Needed to Recall Nicolaides

Calgarians are making their voices heard in a major way, launching a historic recall petition against Demetrios Nicolaides, the United Conservative Party MLA for Calgary-Bow and current Minister of Education and Childcare. This marks the very first time such a petition has been approved under Alberta's Recall Act, which was updated in July to lower signature thresholds.

The movement, initiated by local resident Jennifer Yeremiy, needs 16,006 signatures from eligible voters within the Calgary-Bow electoral division. The signature collection period began October 23, 2025, and runs until January 21, 2026. Yeremiy's petition asserts Nicolaides has shown a "clear failure to support public education". Specific concerns highlight increased funding for charter and private schools, projected to reach $561 million by 2027, while public schools grapple with overcrowded classrooms, inadequate resources, and insufficient staffing.

This recall effort arrives amidst a tense province-wide teachers' strike, now in its third week, impacting 51,000 teachers and 750,000 students across Alberta, including thousands of Calgary families. Calgary public schools are already facing record student enrolment and capacity issues, potentially leaving thousands of students unable to attend their local schools. The ongoing labour dispute and the province's announced plan to table back-to-work legislation next week amplify the deep-seated concerns for public education resonating in communities like Bowness, Crestmont, and West Springs.

If the 16,006 signatures are validated, it could trigger a recall vote, potentially leading to a by-election. This grassroots initiative underscores Calgary's robust civic engagement and a clear demand for leadership that aligns with community priorities, especially concerning the critical public education sector.