Jeff Rath, a prominent figure in the Alberta separatist movement, has issued a stark warning to Premier Danielle Smith: if she will not back Alberta independence, she should not support or campaign for the pro-Canada side. The warning comes as Albertans prepare to vote in October on whether to remain in Canada or become an independent nation.
Rath, a lawyer for the Alberta Prosperity Project, expressed his discontent after hearing Smith’s recent comments to reporters. When asked why she does not put the independence question on the ballot immediately, Smith reiterated her position: “My position is we should remain in Canada. That’s the position of our government. We believe we should assert sovereignty within a united Canada. That is our policy.”
Rath said he listened to that sound bite three times. While Smith has long advocated for what she calls “sovereignty within a united Canada,” Rath argues that her stance contradicts the wishes of her own United Conservative Party (UCP) members. He claims a majority of UCP supporters favor leaving Canada.
A Growing Divide
As the province inches closer to the referendum, the Battle of Alberta over independence is heating up. Smith has stated her job is to show Albertans how Canada can work, acknowledging widespread frustration with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government. However, Rath believes Smith is turning her back on those who elected her.
“She has no business coming out and telling the people who elected her leader that she disagrees with them,” Rath said. “She is taking an adversarial position against her own membership by supporting the Remain in Canada side. If she’s not going to support us, she should stay out of it. Putting her own wishes above the wishes of her membership is completely anti-democratic.”
Rath’s Respect for Smith
Despite his criticism, Rath expressed personal admiration for Smith, calling her a “good person” and “immensely popular” with UCP supporters. He even described her as the most effective communicator Alberta has had since the legendary Ralph Klein. However, he noted that she “deliberately courted the separatist vote” during her rise to power, making her current stance particularly disappointing.
Smith has repeatedly emphasized her commitment to a united Canada, but Rath’s comments highlight a growing rift within the province’s political landscape. With the referendum approaching, all eyes are on Smith to see whether she will actively campaign for unity or remain neutral.
