Smith backs UCP's revocation of separatist leader Jeff Rath's membership
The move comes as Rath had been pushing to force a leadership vote on Premier Danielle Smith at the party's upcoming general meeting.
Why it matters
The expulsion signals how Smith intends to handle internal party dissent following Alberta's referendum vote to stay in Canada.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says separatist leader Jeff Rath has been expelled from the United Conservative Party. Speaking to reporters in Calgary, Smith said the party's executive director made the decision to revoke Rath's membership over code of conduct issues, and she supports it.
Rath has been a prominent figure in Alberta's independence movement and a vocal critic of Smith, calling for her resignation over her support for keeping Alberta in Canada. He had also been working to force a vote on Smith's leadership at the UCP's upcoming general meeting.
The dispute follows last week's referendum, in which three-quarters of Alberta voters chose to remain in Canada rather than pursue a second vote on separation. Smith said United Conservatives must respect that outcome, adding that anyone in the party still advocating for separation should look for a new political home.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.