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Smith tells UCP separatists to move on from referendum or find a new party
She said UCP candidates and officials must back a pro-Canada position as more than 75% of Albertans rejected separation.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith ordered United Conservative Party members unable to support a pro-Canada position to hand in their memberships or join another party, declaring the UCP is not an independence vehicle.
Over 75 per cent of Albertans voted on Monday to remain within Canada, giving Smith a clear democratic mandate she now leverages to enforce party discipline and rule out future separation referendums.
Smith mandated that all future UCP candidates and party officials must publicly commit to Alberta remaining part of Canada, with expectations extending to provincial and constituency boards upholding the pro-Canada position.
Red Deer-South MLA Jason Stephan announced he will not seek re-election, while Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul constituency president Mitch Sylvestre vowed to continue promoting independence despite Smith's directive.
With the provincial election slated for October 18, 2027, Smith framed the internal crackdown as essential to prevent the NDP from winning power, stating "Nothing else matters if we fail on that mission.