What’s the Latest: Danielle Smith says she’ll call up UCP officials not signing anti-separatism pledge
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith intends to contact United Conservative Party officials who have not signed a pledge to cease advocating for Alberta separatism. Fifteen party officials have stated they will not sign the agreement, arguing it punishes them for exercising free speech.
Alberta’s United Conservative Party has set a deadline for all constituency association presidents to sign a new code of conduct by the end of Friday. Fifteen officials have indicated they will not comply, claiming the requirement infringes on their free speech rights.
Premier Danielle Smith intends to contact United Conservative Party officials who have declined to sign a pledge to cease advocating for Alberta separation, emphasising party unity ahead of next year’s provincial election. Meanwhile, the UCP’s executive director has set a deadline for all constituency association presidents to sign the new code of conduct, although 15 presidents have stated in a letter that they will not comply, alleging a violation of free speech.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain whether the officials refusing to sign the anti-separatism pledge will face removal from their roles.
Danielle Smith to contact UCP officials who refuse anti-separatism pledge
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith intends to contact United Conservative Party (UCP) officials who have declined to sign a pledge against advocating for Alberta’s separation. Smith stated, “It’s not an issue of free speech and that she wants the UCP to work as a team to win next year’s provincial election.”
Some UCP party officials have opted not to sign the agreement to publicly acknowledge the results of last month’s referendum. The referendum showed that Albertans voted against holding a binding separation vote. According to reports, the party’s executive director has asked all 87 UCP constituency association presidents to sign the new code of conduct by the upcoming deadline.
A group of 15 officials expressed in a letter their refusal to sign the pledge, asserting that the stipulation punishes them for exercising free speech. Smith has indicated she will discuss the situation with these officials but did not clarify if they will face any repercussions or removal from their positions.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions within the party around the issue of Alberta separatism, particularly after the recent referendum results. The UCP is working to ensure cohesion ahead of the next provincial election scheduled for 2027. Smith’s engagement with dissenting members suggests an effort to maintain party unity in light of contrasting views on provincial sovereignty.