Alberta independence opinion piece draws reactions

By Lethbridge Herald on March 31, 2026.

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman

Lethbridge Herald

After an opinion piece from a United Conservative Party MLA about Alberta independence was published on Friday, many reacted to it. 

On Friday Rakhi Pancholi, New Democratic Party MLA for Edmonton-Whitemud said Premier Danielle Smith’s hand-picked Parliamentary Secretary for Constitutional Affairs and MLA for Red Deer-South Jason Stephan, confirmed he is a separatist in his opinion piece. 

“He ignored all the concerns raised by Alberta businesses that even the prospect of a separatism referendum is freezing investment and negatively affecting our economy. He encourages voters to sign the separatist referendum petition and demand a referendum, said Panjoli.  

She said not one UCP MLA has publicly signed a pledge confirming their commitment to Canada and denouncing separatism. 

“That’s because there are separatists in the UCP caucus, and the Premier knows it. Today’s statement from MLA Jason Stephen confirms it.”  

But Premier Danielle Smith denied that when she reacted to the opinion piece during her radio show “Your Province. Your Premier” on Saturday. 

The host asked Premier Smith if a member of her own caucus actively promoting a separation petition, reflected a broader tolerance within her government, and for her to clearly state whether she supports or opposes Alberta Independence.  

To this, Smith responded that she has always clearly stated that she supports Alberta sovereignty within a united Canada.

“That means, the province of Alberta stays within Canada, and we work to get back the rights that we have under the constitution,” said Smith. 

She said that is what she has been working on, and why she signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with the federal government to work on getting a pipeline to the coast. 

“But also get control over our electricity system and be able to build out our industry,” said Smith. 

She said that is also why she is fighting with the federal government on firearms, as she does not want to confiscate firearms from law abiding gun owners, and why the UCP wrote a letter asking for farmers to be able to use strychnine because we deal with a gopher problem within the province.  

“And that’s why we’ve been partnering with other provinces to get more control over the list that we put forward to appoint judges. So that’s what it means to support autonomy within united Canada provinces,” said Smith. 

She said one voice in her caucus has a different perspective and her caucus allows a diversity of opinions. 

“But I can tell you our caucus and our government support my view, that we are in support of Alberta sovereignty within a united Canada, and everyone can have their own opinion,” said Smith. 

On Monday, her press secretary Sam Blackett, told the Herald that individual MLAs are welcome to differ in their personal opinions, but the position of the government and caucus are clear, unlike the opposition party. 

“The Alberta NDP do not support direct democracy, they fear it. The reality is that the Opposition Leader is desperately trying to boost his failing poll numbers by willfully misleading and fear-mongering Albertans. It’s shameful and irresponsible.”