UCP Faces Pressure for Leadership Review Amid Unity Debate

WHO:

CBC - Premier Danielle Smith, Tanya Clemens (co-leader of Let Alberta Decide), Keith Wilson (co-leader of Let Alberta Decide), RJ Sigurdson (Highwood MLA and Affordability Minister), Preston Manning (former leader of the federal Reform Party), Gordon Campbell (former B.C. premier).

Global News - Danielle Smith, Mark Carney (new Prime Minister).

WHAT:

CBC - The Highwood UCP riding association has formally urged a party vote to review Premier Danielle Smith’s leadership.

CBC - At least 21 additional party constituency groups would need to adopt similar positions to require a special vote on a leader’s future.

CBC - United Conservative members gave Smith a 91.5 percent endorsement in the last scheduled review at the 2024 annual party convention.

CBC - The Smith government launched a $4 million ad campaign on the 10 referendum questions facing Albertans.

Global News - Smith called a referendum that includes a question on whether Alberta should remain in Canada or hold a second, binding referendum on separation.

WHERE:

CBC - Highwood riding in southern Alberta, which includes the town of Okotoks.

Global News - Virtual assembly discussing Alberta’s future in Canada.

WHEN:

CBC - The referendum is scheduled for Oct. 19.

CBC - The next UCP convention is scheduled for late November.

WHY:

CBC - Tanya Clemens criticized Smith’s support for the “stay” option in the referendum, stating that the premier should have remained neutral.

Global News - Smith stated that enough Albertans view separation as a legitimate response to federal interference in provincial affairs.

HOW:

CBC - Smith emphasized her support for “yes” on immigration and constitutional questions during her speech at the Alberta and the West Assembly.

Global News - Smith expressed that the fight to make Canada work for Alberta is yielding results, citing new agreements with the federal government.

(UPDATED September 20, 2026 19:57 UTC)

Premier Danielle Smith is facing a call for a party vote to review her leadership from the Highwood UCP riding association, with at least 21 additional constituency groups needed to push for a special vote. Meanwhile, Smith has launched a $4 million ad campaign ahead of a referendum scheduled for October 19, which will include a question on whether Alberta should remain in Canada or consider separation. Critics, including co-leader Tanya Clemens of Let Alberta Decide, have voiced concerns over Smith's support for the "stay" option, arguing she should have remained neutral on the issue.