The City of Calgary has received a notice of petition for the recall of Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, as per provincial rules.
The petition against Prabhjot Kaur “Jyoti” Gondek was received Jan. 30, 2024, according to Calgary’s City Clerk, Kate Martin. The recall is allowed under changes made in 2022 to the Municipal Government Act, defined by the Local Authorities Election Act, to file a petition to recall elected officials, including municipal ones.
“The role of the City Clerk is to administer the process set out in the Municipal Government Act. This includes receiving, verifying and publishing any compliant notices of recall petitions,” said Martin.
“This is the first notice of recall petition that has been received by the City Clerk’s Office since the legislation took effect.”
The representative for the recall is Landon Johnston. LWC has reached out to Mr. Johnston but hasn’t yet received a response.
It’s no secret that Calgary city council has faced its share of turmoil. That’s manifested itself in some of the poorest approval ratings of a mayor or council in recent history. This council has dealt with significant property tax hikes (7.8 per cent) due to $170 million in additional investments made in transit, public safety and affordable housing. But, they’ve also dealt with hot-button issues like city-wide rezoning, the recent single-use items bylaw, and myriad other issues – like fireworks for Canada Day.
The mayor herself has been the focal point of criticism on municipal issues and created substantial controversy prior in December after she opted to not attend the annual city hall menorah lighting, citing the political nature in which it was being promoted.
Mayor Gondek responded shortly after the recall was made public.
“In October 2021, Calgarians put their faith in me to be a mayor who could bring balance and stability to this city at a time when polarized ideologies stood to divide us,” the mayor said in a statement to the media.
“I remain steadfastly committed to the work of building a future that holds opportunity and prosperity for everyone who lives here. We have work to do. Onward.”
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