UCP Board Hopefuls Must Sign Declaration Not to Push Alberta Independence, Smith Says

Candidates seeking positions on Alberta’s United Conservative Party (UCP) board at its upcoming annual meeting must sign a declaration promising not to advocate for independence, Premier Danielle Smith has confirmed.

Speaking at a press conference in Edmonton on Oct. 27, Smith confirmed that a declaration circulating on social media is authentic. She said prospective board directors must sign the form and affirm their respect for the results of the Oct. 19 referendum question on Alberta independence.

“If anyone wants to advocate for independence, we are not an independence party. That’s contrary to what Albertans told us,” Smith said.

Smith added that current board members would also be expected to honour the pledge. Prospective UCP candidates seeking to run in the 2027 provincial election must likewise reaffirm their commitment to Canada.

Smith noted that around 75 percent of voters supported Alberta remaining part of Canada in the Oct. 19 referendum, saying that position is shared by the UCP, its caucus, and the provincial government. She said party members have room to advocate for a wide range of policies, but not for independence.

“If you’re going to be a member of our party, you have to accept what Albertans told us,” she added.

Smith said the expectation applies to current and prospective board members and MLAs, as well as people who speak on behalf of the party about its policies and principles.

Asked by reporters whether she expected resistance from people seeking UCP nominations for next year’s election who did not want to sign the declaration, Smith said the party had already confirmed 27 candidates. Others seeking to run under the UCP banner would be expected to affirm the party’s position on Canada, she said.

“Not everyone has to run for office,” Smith said, adding that those who do must support the party’s position on the issue.

“The whole point of a political party is to faithfully represent your constituents, and if the constituents have told us they want us to go in a certain direction to have credibility as a candidate, you’re going to have to abide by what Albertans told us,” she added.

The pledge comes as Smith seeks to contain divisions within the UCP over Alberta independence ahead of the October 2027 provincial election. She has warned that continued disagreement could fracture the party and benefit the Opposition NDP.

In an Oct. 21 video posted to social media, Smith urged UCP members to unite behind the party’s position on remaining in Canada. She warned in an Oct. 21 video posted to social media that if it fails to do so “our party will split and Alberta will suffer terribly as a result.”

Some pro-independence activists within the UCP have continued to challenge Smith’s leadership over her opposition to separation.

Jeffrey Rath, a prominent figure in Alberta’s separatist movement, has said he will push for a special general meeting of the party to seek Smith’s removal as leader. Rath has argued that Alberta independence will not be achieved while Smith remains in the position.

The UCP’s annual general meeting is scheduled for Nov. 27-29 in Calgary. Smith’s leadership is not currently scheduled for review at the gathering.