EDMONTON – A fundamental question about Alberta's future – whether to lead Canada or leave it – dominated proceedings at the United Conservative Party's Annual General Meeting this weekend, creating a dramatic backdrop despite recent progress on energy issues.
Two Visions for Alberta's Future
The political tension was palpable at the Edmonton Expo Centre on Saturday, November 29, 2025, as two competing visions for Alberta's relationship with Canada battled for the loudest ovations from party members. While Premier Danielle Smith advocated for fighting for Alberta's place within Confederation, other voices within the party received enthusiastic support for separatist ideas.
When asked by media about the rousing ovations for separatist sentiment, particularly for delegate Jeff Roth on Friday, Premier Smith acknowledged the deep frustration many Albertans feel toward the federal government. "There's no doubt about it, and I think Canada has some work to do in convincing Albertans that this change of heart that we've seen in the last 48 hours is real and genuine," Smith stated, referencing the recent Memorandum of Understanding on energy between Alberta and Ottawa.
Smith's Defense of Canadian Unity
The Premier positioned herself as trying to bridge the divide, telling reporters she understands the skepticism but believes in fighting for Canada. "It's been my job all along to persuade Albertans and the country that the country is worth fighting for, and that Alberta in particular, that our resources are worth developing for the benefit of all," she explained.
Smith received her own strong ovation after her speech on the Expo arena floor, where she took clear aim at former Liberal environment minister Stephen Guilbeault, who resigned from Cabinet following the announcement of the Alberta-Ottawa Energy Agreement. "On behalf of all Albertans, Mr. Guilbeault...we bid you Adieu!" she declared to rounds of applause, noting the agreement "repealed several of the anti-Alberta laws he created."
The Premier made a direct appeal to party members, arguing that "now is not the time to give up the fight for Alberta's place in Canada" but rather to "double down and fight for both our province and our country."
Addressing the Independence Movement
When questioned about the palpable hostility toward Ottawa evident at the convention, Smith expressed little surprise. "People have been pretty upset for 10 years, for very long time at the anti-Alberta, anti-development policies that have been in place and accelerated over the last four years," she noted.
The Premier described Thursday's MOU agreement with Prime Minister Mark Carney as "brand new" and suggested Albertans need time to see that the federal government's apparent change in approach is genuine. "I think we're going to see in pretty short order, some of the improved investment climate that we have," she predicted.
Regarding the growing independence movement within her own party, Smith proposed citizen-initiated referenda as the mechanism to resolve such fundamental disagreements. "I'll watch that with great interest. And if there's a new petition campaign that gets a sufficient number of signatures, then we'll put that forward to the people in a province-wide vote," she stated, adding that she believes most party members support this democratic approach.
While calling the pipeline memorandum "a good first step," Smith emphasized Alberta's desire to lead rather than leave Canada. "We want to lead this country towards a better and brighter future – we take great pride in that as a province. All we need is a government in Ottawa to get out of the way and let us turn Canada into a thriving energy superpower with Alberta leading the way."
