Behind federalist Smith, party organizers back Alberta separation
Several UCP board members attended a separatist rally and some have campaigned for independence despite the premier's federalist position.
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While Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has declared the United Conservative Party stands firmly on the federalist side of the separation debate, several of her party's senior organizers have publicly backed leaving Canada.
At least seven of the UCP's 18 provincial board members attended a large separatist rally at the Alberta legislature last fall, with six of them photographed together holding Alberta flags. Four of those photographed — vice-president of communications Samantha Steinke, northern director Vicki Kozmak-LeFrense, central director Albert Biel, and Calgary director Bradley LaForge — still serve on the board.
When the photo was shared on social media, UCP president Rob Smith commented that he was glad the board members attended, calling it "a great event" and adding he would have been there himself had he not had a prior commitment.
Yet Smith has insisted the party will remain neutral ahead of the October 19 referendum on staying in or leaving Canada. "The party will not be taking an official position on the referendum," he said on CBC Radio, noting the party has "a substantial number of members" on both sides of the issue.
Smith's public statements conflict with the stance taken by party leader Premier Danielle Smith. "I speak for the party, and what our party has said is that we support autonomy and sovereignty for Alberta within a united Canada," the premier said in a subsequent radio interview.
Following that assertion, the UCP issued a statement aligning with the premier and caucus "against separation."
At least two board members have given public endorsements of independence. Steinke told the Holmes Squared show in December: "My own personal belief is that I do believe that Alberta is strong enough to stand on its own." Kozmak-LeFrense told a video interview series: "Personally I think this separation or independence is going to happen one way or another."
Neither Smith nor the photographed board members responded to requests for comment.