Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has issued a clear directive to United Conservative Party members: embrace Canada, or find another political home.
Speaking at a Calgary press conference Wednesday, Smith reiterated the message she delivered in a video to UCP members earlier in the day — the party will not serve as a vehicle for Alberta separatism.
"For those few who cannot reconcile this fact and remain intent on dividing and turning our party into a vehicle for the independence movement, I would respectfully invite them to join a different party," Smith said.
The ultimatum follows Monday's referendum results, in which Albertans decisively rejected a separatist push within the UCP. While Smith acknowledged the "hurt feelings" among those who supported holding a second binding referendum on separation, she characterized the outcome as definitive.
"You get to have your say, but you don't always get to have your way,"Smith told reporters, signalling that debate on the issue has concluded.
Party Coherence and Leadership
Smith made clear that while UCP members can hold personal views on virtually any topic, those seeking to run as party candidates must align with the organization's pro-Canada stance. Going forward, she said, the party will stand unified behind one principle: "A strong Alberta within a united Canada."
"The United Conservative Party is not an independence party," Smith stated flatly.
The premier's position has garnered support from unexpected quarters. Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, a vocal separatism opponent, told CBC News that Smith's mandate is "legitimate."
"In a democracy, we need groups, parties that represent something coherent, and the people within those parties broadly to support those principles," Kenney said. "When push comes to shove, leaders and parties need to protect themselves from those kinds of extremism."
Kenney suggested that the UCP could actually benefit in the 2027 election if hardline separatists departed to form their own party, creating a clear distinction between mainstream conservatism and fringe movements.
Separatist Resistance
Not everyone is accepting Smith's edict quietly. Mitch Sylvestre, CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project and president of the UCP's Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul constituency association, has signalled that the premier's decision could backfire politically, though details on his specific concerns remain limited.
The tension reflects a deeper struggle within Alberta's conservative movement between traditional federalists and those advocating for enhanced provincial autonomy or outright independence. Smith's decision to weaponize party membership rules represents a significant political gamble — one that could either solidify UCP unity or deepen internal fractures heading into the next general election.
For Albertans watching this political drama unfold, the stakes are clear: the UCP's identity as a federalist party now depends on Smith's willingness to enforce her boundaries.
This article is based on reporting from CBC News. For the full story, visit CBC News Canada.