A formal petition aiming to recall Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek has been initiated, marking a significant challenge to her leadership.
The City of Calgary confirmed the reception of the recall petition against Mayor Gondek on January 30, 2024, as announced by City Clerk Kate Martin.
“This is the first notice of recall petition that has been received by the City Clerk’s Office since the legislation took effect,” Martin stated.
The petition action leverages the 2022 amendments to the Municipal Government Act, permitting the recall of municipal officials through a structured process. 514,284 signatures are needed recall Gondek, which is about one third the total number of individuals who voted in the last provincial election.
The petitioner, Landon Johnson, hasn’t officially launched a website to collect signatures. Please register here to receive updates by email on when and where the official petition can be signed.
Mayor Gondek’s popularity has notably waned, as highlighted by recent ThinkHQ data
A recent survey conducted among 1,116 Calgarians revealed a mere 30% approval rating for her performance, with a significant 61% expressing disapproval.
Marc Henry, President of ThinkHQ, pointed out the historic unpopularity of the current city council, exacerbated by Gondek’s announcement of a 7.8% residential tax hike, which could see an average annual increase of $192 per household.
The mayor’s decline in approval also followed her decision to skip the annual Menorah lighting event, a move she defended despite criticism.
Despite the growing discontent and the initiation of a recall petition, Gondek has said she won’t resign, at least not until the next election, which is scheduled for October 2025.
Peterson ratios “madwoman” Gondek over “trans kids” comment
Dr. Jordan Peterson last week ratioed Jyoti Gondek on X, calling her a “madwoman”, after the Calgary mayor made a comment about “trans kids.”
Peterson’s comment came after Gondek responded to Premier Danielle Smith’s planned policy announcement related to transgender issues, namely banning surgeries for youth under 18, and hormone therapy for kids under 16.
Gondek responded with predictable outrage over the effect such policies will have on “trans kids,” a term many don’t even agree makes any sense.
