Members of Alberta's governing United Conservative Party have voted in favor of several significant policy resolutions during their annual general meeting, setting potential directions for future government action despite the votes being non-binding.
Key resolutions passed by membership
More than 4,000 UCP members gathered at the Edmonton Expo Centre on Saturday, November 29, 2025, where they approved all but one of 36 policy resolutions presented. The successful proposals included repealing the province's forthcoming auto insurance changes, returning to coal as an energy source, and banning the fluoridation of public water supplies.
The resolution concerning auto insurance changes, designated as Resolution 2, received particularly strong support from attendees. It calls for the repeal of what proponents describe as the government's no-fault insurance legislation, though the provincial government characterizes the system as "care-first" and maintains it still allows for legal action in certain circumstances.
Non-binding but influential decisions
While these resolution votes do not legally obligate the provincial government to act on them, history shows that some past party resolutions have eventually become government policy. Several resolutions from last year's UCP annual general meeting have been implemented as law, including the banning of vote tabulators, the recent "Jordan Peterson" law regarding professional governing bodies, and multiple policies pertaining to transgender persons.
Party leader and Premier Danielle Smith addressed the relationship between membership preferences and government action in an interview, stating: "You have a responsibility to the broader electorate, and that's what we always have to do, is look at what our core membership says, and then listen to the broader stakeholder community and see what we can move forward and implement."
Broad range of policy considerations
The approved policy suggestions covered multiple topics, ranging from general proposals about building a stronger Alberta to highly specific policy recommendations. Some resolutions aligned with existing government policy, while others challenged current provincial plans, including aspects of the memorandum of understanding Smith signed with Ottawa just two days before the meeting.
Virtually all resolutions received strong majority support from voting members. The auto insurance resolution specifically argued that "returning to a tort-based system aligns with conservative values by promoting personal responsibility and accountability, ensuring fair compensation based on fault and reducing fraudulent claims."
Premier Smith emphasized the balancing act required in considering these resolutions, noting that governments must "implement a policy agenda that has the majority support of Albertans" beyond just party membership.
