Kenney urges UCP to expel separatists as Alberta referendum voting opens
Advance polls opened as Albertans begin voting on a 10-question referendum, including whether to stay in Canada or hold a binding vote on separation.
Why it matters
The referendum and the internal UCP split over separatism could reshape Alberta's political landscape and its relationship with the rest of Canada.
Former premier Jason Kenney, who co-founded the United Conservative Party, said separatists have infiltrated the party and now wield outsized influence. Speaking to business leaders in Edmonton alongside former NDP premier Rachel Notley, Kenney said the UCP faces a reckoning once the province's separation vote concludes.
Kenney said the party must decide whether it will stand on its founding federalist principles, and if so, show separatist members the door. The UCP, which Kenney helped found, defeated Notley's NDP government in 2019; Premier Danielle Smith took over as UCP leader in 2022.
His remarks came as advance polls opened for a province-wide referendum asking Albertans 10 questions, with final polling day set for Monday. The central question asks whether Alberta should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on leaving the country.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.