Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney has called on the governing United Conservative Party (UCP) to reaffirm its commitment to Canadian unity and remove separatist supporters from its ranks, warning that pro-independence activists have gained disproportionate influence within the party.
Speaking at an Edmonton Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday alongside former political rival Rachel Notley, Kenney said the UCP would face a critical examination of its founding principles following Alberta’s referendum on separation. He argued that individuals advocating independence should pursue their political objectives through separatist parties rather than attempting to reshape an organization established on federalist values.
Kenney, who helped establish the UCP and led the party to victory over Notley’s NDP government in 2019, claimed that some activists who previously opposed COVID-19 restrictions have since organized around the independence movement. He suggested that separatist groups, historically unable to attract significant electoral support, have increasingly sought influence within the governing party.
His remarks come as advance voting gets underway in Alberta’s referendum, which includes 10 questions addressing the province’s political future. A central question asks whether Alberta should remain part of Canada or proceed toward a second, binding referendum on independence. The final day of voting is scheduled for Monday.
Despite their longstanding political differences, Kenney and Notley have joined forces in a campaign opposing Alberta’s separation from Canada. Both former premiers have raised concerns about the potential economic consequences of independence and the influence of separatist voices within the provincial government.
Kenney maintained that most UCP legislators remain committed to Canadian unity but warned that the party must clearly distinguish itself from the separatist movement. He also pointed to his tenure as party leader, during which he disqualified approximately three dozen prospective candidates ahead of the 2019 provincial election because of their previous support for separatism.
Drawing comparisons with Quebec, Kenney argued that any referendum on secession should follow an explicit electoral mandate from voters. He questioned the democratic legitimacy of pursuing such a significant constitutional change without first securing public authorization through a provincial election.
Notley echoed his concerns, accusing a relatively small group of separatist supporters of exercising excessive influence over Alberta’s political direction. She urged Premier Danielle Smith to remove cabinet ministers and UCP caucus members unwilling to publicly commit to keeping Alberta within Canada.
Kenney declined to directly criticize Smith’s leadership but expressed hope that the UCP would return to its federalist foundations after the referendum.
Smith, who succeeded Kenney as UCP leader in 2022, has repeatedly stated that she intends to vote in favour of remaining in Canada. Although some members of her caucus support independence or have declined to disclose their positions, Smith maintains that her government and party officially support Alberta’s continued membership in Confederation.
The referendum has intensified political divisions within Alberta, raising broader questions about the UCP’s ideological direction, the future of the province’s relationship with Ottawa and the influence of separatist movements on provincial politics.
