Premier Danielle Smith says candidates for the United Conservative Party’s provincial board must commit to respecting Alberta’s decision to remain in Canada, with a similar requirement planned for those seeking to run in next year’s election.
Speaking to reporters Oct. 27, Smith said board hopefuls must sign a declaration against advocating separation. Current board members will also be expected to uphold that position, she said.
The announcement follows the Oct. 19 referendum, in which unofficial results showed a clear majority supporting Alberta’s continued place in Canada.
For UCP members in Chestermere and surrounding communities, the requirement applies to a provincial board election taking place at the party’s annual gathering in Calgary next month.
Chestermere–Strathmore is included in the party’s southern Alberta region for board elections. Members registered for the gathering vote for the regional director representing the area where they live.
Smith said the referendum result established a direction that her party’s representatives must respect. She said members could continue debating a broad range of policies, while advocating independence would fall outside the party’s position.
She also said approximately two-thirds of UCP candidates still needed to be selected ahead of the provincial election, scheduled for Oct. 18, 2027.
The premier has warned that continued divisions over separation could weaken the party and help the Opposition NDP win government. That is Smith’s political assessment as the UCP prepares for the campaign.
The referendum question asked whether Alberta should remain a Canadian province or begin the legal process toward a binding vote on separation. It did not authorize Alberta to leave Confederation.
Elections Alberta lists the question as non-binding. Official referendum results are scheduled for release Oct. 29, following verification of the unofficial count.
The UCP’s convention weekend runs Nov. 27 to 29 at Calgary’s BMO Centre. Its published schedule places board voting on Nov. 28, alongside policy debate and voting.
Eight board positions are being filled: chief financial officer, vice-president responsible for membership, vice-president responsible for policy and governance, and five regional directors.
Half the board is elected each year. The elected directors’ terms run until the party’s 2028 annual general meeting. Under the published election rules, voting is limited to members in good standing who register for the meeting and meet the Nov. 6 membership deadline.
The declaration places support for Alberta remaining in Canada among the commitments Smith says she expects from those seeking leadership roles within her party.