Premier Smith tells separatists to back Canada or leave UCP as referendum clears hurdle
Smith told party members Wednesday they must support staying in Canada or depart. Approximately 75% voted to remain in referendum; citizenship voting requirement likely first legislation.
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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has told separatists within the UCP to align with the referendum result backing Canada or leave the party.
Smith issued the directive Wednesday to UCP members after the October 19 referendum showed approximately 75 per cent support for remaining in Canada. In a Friday interview with CBC Radio's West of Centre, Smith said she does not need separatists' support and that "there just is not the appetite to pursue" constitutional separation. She attributed the lack of appetite to people being fatigued from unsuccessful constitutional change efforts in previous years and said constitutional questions are not top of mind for Albertans.
Smith said immigration questions matter more to people than constitutional ones. She noted that people are "very enthusiastic" about a requirement to show citizenship to vote, which is "very likely going to be the first thing that we act on with enabling legislation." The citizenship marker is now on Alberta driver's licences. Smith said the province will take more time to decide on waiting periods for temporary workers and program access fees.
In her mandate Wednesday, delivered via social media video and email, Smith stated: "A strong Alberta within a united Canada is the position of our party." She said candidates running under the UCP banner, as well as constituency association members and provincial board members, must commit to and support that position from the day they take out nomination papers, throughout their candidacy, and for the duration of their time in caucus.
Mitch Sylvestre, separatist leader and co-founder of the Alberta Prosperity Project and chair of the UCP Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul constituency association for the past four years, told Postmedia he is taking time to consider his next steps. "It's not her call," Sylvestre said of whether Smith can dictate how candidates and board members act. Sylvestre and others argue they helped oust former premier Jason Kenney and bring Smith to the leadership.
Smith said the referendum result is settled in her party and that she is "the leader not only of government but also of my party" and "the chief communicator for our party." The next provincial election is scheduled for October 2027.
How will Smith enforce the requirement that candidates and board members align with the Canada position?
Will Sylvestre and other separatists face removal from their positions?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
What percentage of Albertans voted to remain in Canada in the October 19 referendum?
Approximately 75% voted to remain in Canada in the October 19, 2026 referendum.
What legislation does Premier Smith say is likely to come first from the referendum result?
Enabling legislation requiring citizenship to vote is very likely to be the first legislation pursued, following the addition of a citizenship marker to Alberta driver's licences.
