Premier Smith pitches Canada to UCP faithful in Calgary

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made the case for the province to remain in Canada Friday night, speaking to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,000 United Conservative Party supporters at the BMO Centre in Calgary — the largest UCP leader's dinner in party history.

"I still believe Canada can work. I believe it's working better every day," Smith said. She highlighted a memorandum of understanding with the federal government on a new pipeline to the B.C. coast, noting it has already attracted billions in new investment for energy projects. "Now I know, some of you get a bit queasy when I start complimenting the efforts of a Liberal prime minister," she added with a laugh.

Smith's speech comes as Albertans prepare for an October 19 referendum that includes ten questions, the first asking whether the province should remain in Canada or if the government should start the legal process toward separation. Polling from Leger shows 73 per cent of Albertans back staying in Confederation, though 29 per cent of UCP supporters still favour separation.

Smith urged party members to vote to remain and then vote yes on the other nine referendum questions, which cover immigration, Senate reform, and other constitutional matters. "Those questions send a very strong message that Albertans expect fairness and respect and a stronger voice within Canada."

Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, however, dodged directly answering how he would vote when asked at a separate press conference, instead pointing responsibility to the federal government to hold the country together.