Alberta Premier Danielle Smith faces recall efforts targeting half her caucus amid controversy over the notwithstanding clause and rising party unrest.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith faces intensifying political turmoil in 2026 as recall petitions target nearly half her United Conservative Party caucus, fueled by controversial uses of the notwithstanding clause in 2025 and internal party dissent. Critics, including expelled members who revived the Progressive Conservative brand, accuse her of overreach, while the government responded by banning the word “conservative” in party names. Smith denies the challenges threaten her leadership, citing public support and awaiting petitioners to miss strict deadlines, but growing unrest and factional divisions within her party signal a fragile hold on power.