Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has clarified that her United Conservative Party (UCP) does not identify as a separatist party. During the UCP’s recent annual convention, the energy agreement between Alberta and Ottawa was met with mixed reactions, including boos from some attendees. In contrast, members of the separatist faction within the party received enthusiastic support, with several pro-separation candidates winning positions on the party board.
When questioned by reporters on Monday about whether she believes the UCP has shifted towards separatism, Smith firmly responded, “No.” She emphasized that the majority of the party’s leadership remains aligned with her view that Alberta can thrive within Confederation, despite acknowledging the presence of dissenting voices within the party.
The recent landmark energy deal between Alberta and Ottawa, which involves concessions on emission policies and carbon pricing, has not fully assuaged the separatist sentiments within the party. Smith noted that while the agreement with Ottawa, spearheaded by Carney, is significant, it does not address all the grievances Alberta holds against the federal government. She highlighted other contentious issues such as immigration and the federal gun buyback program, which resonate strongly with party members.
In response to these concerns, Smith announced that her government intends to resist enforcing the federal gun buyback program using the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act. She acknowledged her role as premier in addressing and dispelling separatist inclinations within the party, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating that the Canadian federal system can accommodate Alberta’s unique needs.
Explaining her vision of “a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada,” Smith emphasized the importance of upholding the division of powers between federal and provincial authorities. She expressed frustration with federal interventions that impede Alberta’s autonomy, underscoring the need for a balanced relationship between the two levels of government.