Former premier Jason Kenney, who helped establish Alberta’s United Conservative Party, claims that separatists have made their way into the party and are having an outsized impact.
While addressing business leaders in Edmonton alongside his former political opponent Rachel Notley, Kenney stated on Tuesday that following the province’s Alberta referendum separation vote, the party will experience a “reckoning.”
He emphasized that the UCP must choose whether to uphold its founding federalist values; if they do, then separatists need to be excluded.
“There’s no doubt that those folks have infiltrated (the party),” Kenney remarked at an Edmonton Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
“They’re welcome to participate in democracy, but if their primary goal is separation, then they have to do it in a separatist party,” he added.
Kenney’s conservatives won against Notley’s NDP government in 2019.
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Kenney resigned in the spring of 2022 after receiving 51.4 percent support during a leadership review amid frustrations over COVID-19 restrictions within his party.
Premier Danielle Smith took over as UCP leader in the fall of 2022.
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On Tuesday, Kenney mentioned that many hard-right Albertans frustrated by COVID “conspiracy theories” got organized and have moved on to advocating for separation.
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Kenney’s remarks come as advance polls open and Albertans vote on ten questions in a referendum ahead of final polling day Monday.
The main question asks whether Alberta should remain part of Canada or hold a second binding referendum on leaving the country.
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Notley and Kenney are collaborating on a campaign aimed at keeping Alberta from separating from Canada.
Kenney stated it seems most members of the UCP caucus are committed to remaining part of Canada.
“But there is clearly a problem that those who used to lead these marginal separatist parties got tired of receiving only one or two percent of votes,” he noted.
He also referenced Quebec, where it would be unthinkable for them to hold a secession referendum without explicit support from voters during an election.
“We should have at least as much respect for the democratic process here as Quebec separatists do there,” he said.
Notley concurred, stating that the UCP needs some introspection regarding how “such a small tail on an otherwise completely respectable dog” has gained such influence.
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Telling reporters later on Tuesday, Kenney mentioned that without loyalty towards Canada being agreed upon by its founding parties, there wouldn’t even be a UCP today.
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“The commitment is clear , and separatists tryingto infiltratea federalistpartyare fundamentallydishonestanddisrespectfulofdemocracy,” hesaid. p >
Headdedthatwhileas UCPleader , heinvalidatedsomethree dozenwould-be candidatesfromrunninginthe2019electionbecause theyhadarecordofadvocatingforseparatism. p >
“You’re eitherfor Canada, nationalunity , or you’renot, andifyou’restillacitizen, you’rewelcometobe involvedindemocracy. Goanddo thatinas eparatistparty,”said Kenney. p >Former Alberta premiers Rachel Notley, left, and Jason Kenneyspeakaboutthepossibleeconomicimpactof Alberta’sreferendumatan Edmonton Chamberlunchon Tuesday October13th2026. John Ulan/The Canadian Press
A reporter asked him about Smith’s leadership and her openness towards accepting advocates for separatism within her caucus and party; however, Kenney chose notto comment. p >
“I don’twanttobea Mondaymorningquarterback,” hesaid. p >
“When thisisalloverthepartythatwaselectedtwiceasafederalistparty, foundedonfederalistprinciples, willexhibitclearlyafederalistidentity.” p >
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Notelyexpressed concernthattherestof Albertaisbeing “heldhostage”byasmallsegmentofthepopulation. p >< <
Smithhasrepeatedlysaysthat shesupportsstayingin Canada. Despite someofher caucus members supportingseparationordecliningtosaywheretheystand, Smithemphasizedthat herpartyan dgovernmenttakeapositioninfavorofremainingpartof Canada. S mithhasnotedthateverypoliticalpartyhasarangeofviews, butthemajorityviewwinsout.
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