Alberta’s Smith says she’ll call up UCP officials not signing anti-separatism pledge

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced her intention to contact United Conservative Party officials who have refused to sign a pledge opposing separatism advocacy. The pledge, which aims to stop the party from promoting separatism, is being pushed by Smith as she seeks to unite her party ahead of the upcoming general election.

In a statement, Smith emphasized that the issue is not about free speech but rather the need for the United Conservative Party to function as a cohesive team. She expressed her desire for the party to collaborate effectively in order to secure victory in the upcoming election.

According to reports, all 87 UCP constituency association presidents have been requested by the party’s executive director to sign the new code of conduct by the end of the day. However, 15 officials have responded that they will not sign the pledge, contending that the requirement constitutes punishment for exercising their free speech.

Smith has expressed her willingness to engage in discussions with those officials who have declined to sign the pledge, although she has not specified whether their roles will be terminated as a result.