Pro-Independence Candidates Elected to Alberta UCP Board

Alberta independence supporters won five of the nine board seats up for election at this year’s United Conservative Party annual convention.

The vote took place on Nov. 29, the second day of the UCP’s annual general meeting (AGM) in Edmonton, which drew more than 4,200 attendees. Ahead of the convention, the sovereignty advocacy group Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) released a list highlighting candidates who have publicly supported Alberta independence, saying greater representation on the board would provide “key levers for amplifying Alberta-first voices.”

“These individuals represent a pro-independence slate that aligns with the vision of a self-reliant Alberta, free from overreach by Ottawa,” the APP said. “Voting for them is a direct way to advance that goal within the UCP structure.”

The APP noted that its candidate list was not an endorsement, but a guide to facilitate “informed decisions by sovereignty supporters.”

Rob Smith, who was not the APP’s preferred candidate, was re-elected president after serving in the role for the past two years.

Newly elected board members identified as supportive of Alberta independence include Helen Holder as vice president of fundraising, Samantha Steinke as vice president of communications, Vicki Kozmak-LeFrense as northern regional director, Albert Biel as central director, and Irma Roberts as Calgary director.

The secretary, Edmonton director, and southern director positions were filled by candidates the APP did not identify as pro-independence: Stacey Vanderveen, Abigail Johnson, and Ed Vandenberg respectively.

The Alberta independence movement gained traction earlier this year following the federal Liberals’ re-election to a fourth term, with a significant portion of UCP members supporting the movement. Rob Smith has publicly estimated that between two-thirds and three-quarters of the party supports Alberta independence, while the rest are opposed.

Ideas were floated about hosting an independence debate at this year’s AGM, but the board decided against it, Rob Smith noted during a presidential candidate’s online debate in early November, saying such a conversation would likely not change the minds of party members who oppose it.

He also said that, until a possible referendum on separation is held in the province, the UCP should remain neutral on the issue, citing both the need for party unity and for the independence movement to remain grassroots.

Nevertheless, the issue of independence was brought up on multiple occasions during the AGM.

During an address at the convention on Nov. 28, after an attendee suggested that Alberta’s fiscal situation would improve through separation from Canada, Premier Danielle Smith reiterated her support for “a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada,” and said she hopes the newly signed deal with Ottawa reassures members that the province can still function within the Confederation.

Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney had signed a memorandum of understanding the previous day outlining commitments to advance a pipeline to the B.C. coast if a private proponent comes forward, and roll back certain Trudeau-era energy policies in return for emission-reduction measures from the province.

Premier Smith’s remarks were met with what appeared to be unanimous boos from the audience, though she said the topic could be revisited the following day.

Then, during a keynote address on Nov. 29, she encouraged attendees not to give up on Canada in the wake of the province’s deal with Ottawa—which she described as a “clear win” for Alberta. Her comments were again met with boos, but also with applause that appeared to be almost equally widespread.

“I know full well that so many of you here today have been justifiably, like me, frustrated and angry with Ottawa,” she said. “But my friends, let’s not throw in the towel and give up on our country just as the battle has turned in our favour and victory is in sight.”

The APP has put forward a proposed separation referendum question that is currently under legal review to determine its constitutionality.

Premier Smith has said that she would uphold the democratic process if a separation question in the province gains enough support to trigger a referendum.