Danielle Smith introduces pro-Canada pledge for Alberta UCP

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced that United Conservative Party (UCP) officials and candidates must sign a declaration vowing not to advocate for provincial separation. The requirement applies to those seeking positions on the party board at the upcoming annual general meeting, as well as candidates intending to run in the 2027 provincial election. Existing board members will also be expected to honor the pledge.

Smith stated that the party is not an independence party and must respect the results of a recent referendum in which Albertans voted to remain in Canada. She noted that while there is room for policy debate, advocating for separation is not permitted. The move is seen as an effort to manage separatist elements within the party to prevent political fracturing ahead of the next general election.

Separately, Jeffrey Rath, a lawyer and co-founder of the Alberta Prosperity Project, has alleged that Smith sent a text message intended for another individual regarding petition rules. Rath claims the message suggests coordination to influence the petition process, though he provided no further evidence to support these claims.