UCP Leadership Weighs Vote on Transition to Separatist Party
At the highest echelons of the United Conservative Party (UCP), discussions are underway regarding a potential vote that could fundamentally alter the party's identity. This vote would determine whether the UCP should officially become a separatist organization, a move that represents a dramatic shift from its federalist foundation established back in 2017.
President Rob Smith Outlines the Plan
UCP President Rob Smith, who holds no familial relation to Premier Danielle Smith, has publicly detailed this initiative. In a recorded video interview conducted during the party convention in November 2025, he articulated a clear pathway forward. Rob Smith emphasized that if a provincial referendum on independence were to yield a pro-separatist result—even by the narrowest of margins, such as "50 per cent plus one"—he would take immediate action.
"I will convene the provincial board of directors to say we need to have a special general meeting," Rob Smith stated in the interview. "We need to have a discussion about a question that we want to put to our UCP members." This question would directly ask party members whether they desire the UCP to transform into an independence-focused party.
A Formal and Inclusive Voting Process
The proposed decision-making process is designed to be thorough and inclusive, ensuring that every party member has a voice. According to Rob Smith, the outcome would not be determined at an annual general meeting or a special general meeting alone. Instead, the final verdict would be reached through a formal ballot conducted across all UCP constituencies.
"It will be decided at ballot boxes that get set up in every one of our 87 constituencies across the province—or 89 if that's where we're at when this happens," he explained. "Every member of our party will be able to mark a paper ballot, stuff it in a ballot box and have a say on whether our party becomes an independence party or not." Rob Smith has firmly committed to this process, underscoring its significance.
Internal Divisions and Long-Range Strategic Thinking
Rob Smith acknowledged the existing fissures within the party membership, highlighting the divide between federalist-minded individuals and those who advocate for independence. He stressed the importance of holding a referendum to address these differences and allow the party to respond accordingly to the outcome.
The mere fact that such discussions are occurring at the leadership level indicates that the governing party is engaged in long-range strategic thinking about separation. This contemplation raises critical questions about the UCP's future direction and its alignment with broader Canadian unity.
Premier Danielle Smith's Position and Party Dynamics
Premier Danielle Smith has consistently maintained her support for a "sovereign Alberta within a united Canada," a stance that appears to contrast with the separatist leanings emerging within the party's board. This situation prompts inquiries about whether the premier, as the party leader, is losing control over the UCP's governing board.
At some point, Premier Smith will likely need to clarify her position. Would she be willing to lead a party that has formally adopted a separatist agenda? This question remains unanswered, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the UCP's internal dynamics.
External Influences and the Alberta Prosperity Project
Rob Smith also referenced the influence of other board members, noting that some are "incredibly independence-minded." He mentioned a particular board member, who was not identified, advising that the government should refrain from involvement in debates over independence and the Alberta pension plan. According to this perspective, such issues should be left to external organizations like the separatist Alberta Prosperity Project.
"If our party took a position on it, they might not even go to a Prosperity Project meeting because the United Conservative Party stands for it," Rob Smith cited, illustrating the potential impact of the party's stance on broader separatist movements.
Potential Implications and Public Reaction
Should a pro-separation vote succeed in a referendum and party members subsequently endorse independence, the repercussions could be substantial. Many Albertans who elected the UCP under its federalist banner might react with fury to such a sudden ideological shift. This scenario underscores the high stakes involved in the party's internal deliberations.
While the plan is contingent on several factors, including the outcome of a potential referendum, Rob Smith's public statements have brought these considerations to the forefront. They reveal a party grappling with its identity and future, navigating the complex terrain between federalism and separatism in Alberta's political landscape.
