CALGARY — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her United Conservative Party is not a secessionist party.
Last week's historic energy deal between Alberta and Ottawa was met with skepticism and, at many points, booing by members of the party's annual convention last weekend.
Meanwhile, leaders of the party's secessionist camp received standing ovations and thunderous applause, and a number of pro-secession candidates were elected to positions on the party council.
Asked by reporters today whether she believed her party was now a separatist party, Smith replied: “No.”
She says much of the party's board supports her and her belief that Alberta can exist within Confederation, but she says some members will need to see more from Ottawa before their desire for independence is squashed.
Smith says the energy issue is just one of many that members of her party have problems with, and that she has a long way to go to convince them that staying in Canada is the right move.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 1, 2025.
