Canada: Ryley Councilor ousted in recall vote -- perhaps first in Canada's history

Update: Ryley Councilor Nik Lee did not run in the recall race, which was won by Lyndie Nickel over Joshua Lee 166-11.

Lee faced a recall vote, after petitioners received 250 signatures (the village has 460 residents and need 40% of voters). The recall seems to be over increased budget spending and absenteeism.

Lee was elected in 2017, but disqualified in 2019 for not paying municipal taxes. Lee then refused to resign, but was kicked out by the council in 2021. Lee then ran and won again, with the Council voting to make him mayor. He was removed as mayor in February and then missed the next eight weeks. The council then voted to disqualify him and the deputy mayor (who also missed sessions). The Deputy Mayor resigned.

Lee claims he resigned in March, but only told the province, not the municipality because he did not recognize the new mayor.

The recall election is scheduled for August 14.

This may be the first recall that actually goes to an election in Canada (certainly the first that I've seen). British Columbia has had numerous attempts and resignations in the face of recalls, but none have gone to the ballot.

Update: Lee did not seem to run in the by-election,