Smith denies muting pro-Canada ads ahead of Oct. 19 referendum
UCP party president Rob Smith said the premier had promised neutral government messaging on the separation question, prompting a public rebuttal from Danielle Smith.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights internal UCP divisions over Alberta's future in Canada just weeks before the Oct. 19 referendum vote.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is disputing a claim from her own party's president that her government has been softening its pro-Canada messaging ahead of next month's separation referendum. Smith said her government's $4-million advertising campaign encourages Albertans to remain a sovereign province within a united Canada, and that she has not tried to appear neutral on the question.
The dispute follows a social media post from United Conservative Party president Rob Smith, who said the premier had promised him government messaging on the referendum would be as neutral as possible.
Smith has repeatedly said she personally plans to vote for Alberta to stay in Canada when the referendum is held Oct. 19, but she has faced criticism for not more actively campaigning for the pro-Canada side. Some UCP members support Alberta leaving Confederation and have publicly voiced frustration with her stance, leaving Smith to balance her personal position against divisions within her own party ahead of the vote.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.