Premier Danielle Smith is taking a hands-on approach to enforce party loyalty, vowing to personally telephone UCP officials who are balking at signing a new anti-separatism code of conduct.
The standoff centres on a pledge that party members in spokesperson roles must publicly respect the results of last month's referendum, which saw 75 per cent of Albertans vote against pursuing separation and reject a second binding vote on the issue.
"This isn't about free speech or reducing free speech," Smith told reporters Friday. "Any UCP member is allowed to think or say whatever they want. However, if they are in a spokesperson role for our party, then the job is to make sure that they're reflecting the policies and principles of our party."
The situation has created visible friction within Conservative ranks. The CBC reported that all 87 UCP constituency association presidents were directed by the party's executive director to sign the conduct code by Friday's deadline. Instead, 15 presidents have refused, pushing back against what they characterize as an overreach.
A Matter of Principle
The dissenting officials argue the party board lacks authority to demand compliance on political positions, framing their refusal as a free speech issue. Their resistance letter suggests the requirement amounts to punishment for holding a legitimate political viewpoint.
"I am gonna talk to them," Smith said when asked how she would respond. "Because I think people need to understand that this is really about what political parties are for: political parties are designed to win elections. You have to have a team approach, when you're talking about speaking for the party."
This represents the latest escalation in the UCP's effort to distance itself from separatist elements following the October 19 referendum. The party has also implemented a requirement that candidates seeking board positions at the upcoming annual general meeting must sign a pledge honouring the referendum outcome or face disqualification.
Additionally, the UCP revoked party membership from Jeff Rath, a prominent Alberta separatist activist who served as legal counsel for the group that collected approximately 300,000 signatures petitioning for a binding separation vote.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions within Alberta's governing party as it attempts to present a unified front heading into the next election cycle. Those interested in following local political developments can engage with neighbours and fellow Albertans on Calgary Forums, where community members regularly discuss provincial politics and governance issues.
This article is based on reporting from Global Calgary.