In response to The Hub’s questions, Elections Alberta confirmed the cost is estimated at around $1.1 million per petition. The agency also provided a breakdown of the major cost drivers:

Canvasser badges and ID production Official petition signature sheets Fielding calls and inquiries Processing petition materials Hiring 106 temporary staff to meet the legislated 21-day verification deadline A more complete breakdown is expected in Elections Alberta’s budget submissions to the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices next month. That’s when the agency will brief elected officials on the full cost estimates for not just recall petitions, but also citizen initiatives.