Alberta UCP faces backlash as pledge limits riding presidents’ independence talk | CBC
Pledge extends to riding presidents
The UCP recently required candidates for provincial board elections to promise they would abide by the referendum result. The party is now extending that condition to the presidents of all 87 constituency associations.
The declaration says signers recognize and respect Albertans’ majority decision on Question #10 of the referendum held on 26/10/19. Some riding presidents, however, are reluctant or unwilling to sign, arguing the requirement could curb their speech.
Presidents cite free expression
Darrell Komick, president of the UCP riding association for Calgary-Lougheed, said a party that supports free speech must accept its risks as well as its rewards. He has hosted forums on contentious subjects, including vaccine safety.
A president who opposes Alberta independence said at least 15 presidents are signing a letter to the party refusing to endorse the agreement. The source also questioned why the form singled out one divisive issue and pointed to the party code’s protection for board members’ freedom of expression, unless their expression is a Criminal Code offence.
Party leaders defend position
Premier Danielle Smith has repeatedly said she supports keeping Alberta in Canada. Critics have nevertheless accused her of being too supportive of separatists in the UCP and of making it easier to put the independence question on the ballot.
In a video statement to party members last month, Smith said provincial and constituency association board members were expected to uphold the party’s position. She has since faced resistance from parts of the UCP base, including separatist activists unhappy that she took a side in the referendum.
Dispute carries into convention
Some pro-independence activists seeking provincial board seats at the party convention in Calgary later this month endorsed the promise to abide by the referendum result. They said they would still advocate for greater Alberta sovereignty within Canada in the short term.
A governance expert said agreements and conduct rules are common in not-for-profit groups, but questioned placing a political declaration inside such a document. At an Edmonton forum for board candidates this week, frustration over Smith’s effort to steer the party away from separatism was also voiced.
Key points
- The UCP is asking all 87 riding association presidents to sign a referendum pledge.
- Some presidents say the requirement threatens free expression; one says at least 15 oppose endorsing it.
- The dispute involves members who support and oppose Alberta independence.
- Some pro-independence board candidates say they will respect the vote while continuing to advocate for greater sovereignty within Canada.