Alberta Premier Danielle Smith revokes separatist leader's party membership

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that the United Conservative Party (UCP) has revoked the membership of Jeff Rath, a prominent separatist leader and lawyer. Smith stated the decision was made by the party’s executive director due to code of conduct issues, a move she expressed support for.

Rath, a co-founder of the Alberta Prosperity Project, has been a vocal critic of Smith, calling for her resignation due to her stance on Alberta remaining in Canada. He had also been attempting to force a leadership vote at the party’s upcoming annual general meeting in Calgary, but his registration for that meeting has also been cancelled.

The expulsion follows a recent referendum in which three-quarters of Alberta voters chose to remain in Canada. Smith has emphasized that the UCP is a pro-Canada party and has encouraged members who support independence to seek other political affiliations to avoid fracturing the party ahead of next year’s election.

Rath characterized the revocation as “political malpractice,” suggesting the move would draw attention to his cause and galvanize his supporters within the party.