Elections Alberta addresses petition canvasser conduct, harassment and misinformation

Elections Alberta says it continues to address misinformation and concerns related to recall and citizen initiative petition campaigns across the province.

The office notes that since the first citizen initiative petition was approved June 30, 2025, it has seen a significant amount of incorrect information circulating about how the petition process works, as well as the rules governing campaigns and canvassers.

Over the same period, Elections Alberta has also received reports of harassment involving canvassers from nearly every recall and citizen initiative petition campaign. Officials say concerns about behaviour toward canvassers have increased in recent weeks, along with more inflammatory comments online.

Elections Alberta says all petition campaigns are provided with detailed information about their responsibilities and the rules governing canvassing when their campaign begins. If concerns are reported about behaviour that may not comply with regulations, the office contacts campaigns so they can address the issue.

Canvassers must follow the rules outlined in the Recall Regulation and Citizen Initiative Regulation, along with the Canvasser Code of Conduct and any direction issued by the Chief Electoral Officer. These rules apply equally to all petition campaigns and canvassers.

The agency also reminds Albertans that registered canvassers represent the citizen initiative proponent or recall petition applicant they are working for, not Elections Alberta. Canvassers are not permitted to represent themselves as Elections Alberta in any way.

Any verified concerns about canvasser conduct or possible violations of legislation or the code of conduct can be reported directly to Elections Alberta.

At the same time, Elections Alberta says many campaigns have reported incidents where canvassers have faced abusive, threatening or insulting behaviour. Anyone who feels unsafe or experiences harassment while canvassing is advised to contact local law enforcement, as the legislation governing recall and citizen initiative petitions does not include provisions dealing with harassment.

Elections Alberta says it encourages all Albertans to interact with one another in a respectful and civil manner, both in person and online, particularly when discussing electoral processes.

The agency also notes that businesses, property owners and organizations are not required to provide access or space for petition canvassers or campaign events. Campaigns must obtain permission before canvassing on private property and follow the rules set by the property owner or organization.

Elections Alberta says it continues to monitor media and online discussions to correct misinformation. Officials emphasize that the agency is an independent, non-partisan office responsible for administering provincial elections, by-elections and referendums, and for ensuring electoral legislation is followed.

According to the agency, all citizen initiative and recall petitions have been conducted under the legislation in place at the time. While some changes to the legislation have been made since July 2025, officials say those updates do not affect the validity of campaigns conducted before the changes.

Elections Alberta also states that no fraud has been reported or detected during any petition verification process. The agency reviews every signature submitted and contacts a statistically valid random sample of signatories to confirm their information.

Officials also note Elections Alberta staff do not participate in or attend petition campaign events and do not endorse or sanction any petition, campaign or canvasser activities.

More information about recall and citizen initiative petition processes is available on the Elections Alberta website.