Alberta Premier fends off leadership challenge and looks to squelch separatist discord

Matthew Scace Calgary Published 4 hours agoUpdated 2 hours ago Open this photo in gallery: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has asked members to accept the result of the referendum, warning that an internal civil war over separation would sink the party ahead of next year’s provincial election. Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press Comments Save for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story. Log InCreate an account Alberta Premier Danielle Smith appears to have fended off a leadership challenge and is looking to smother discord within her United Conservative Party a seat on its provincial board to pledge they will respect the province’s majority vote against holding a separation referendum. In an e-mail sent to UCP members on Tuesday evening, party president Rob Smith said at least 65 of the 87 constituency associations have passed motions in support of the Premier, whose authority has been questioned ’s membership following last week’s referendum and ahead of next year’s provincial election. At least 22 associations would need to vote in favour of a leadership review in order to force one. “There will be NO UCP leadership review before our next general election,” wrote Mr. Smith, who holds no relation to the Premier. Smith will be the leader for the foreseeable future. With the possibility of a leadership review set aside, Ms. Smith confirmed the UCP is now requiring those wishing to serve on its 18-seat provincial board to pledge that they will respect the result of last week’s referendum on separation. Alberta’s vote has softened the rhetoric, but peace and quiet are not guaranteed The requirement is contained in a mandatory declaration form that candidates applying to run for the party board must complete ahead of the UCP’s annual general meeting in late November. The declaration asks candidates to agree they “recognize, respect, and will abide #10 of the 26/10/19 referendum,” referring to the ballot question that asked residents whether they wish to remain in Canada or have a second, binding secession vote. The pledge is the first evidence that Ms. Smith and the UCP are taking steps to prevent separatist agitators from attempting to control the party apparatus. Factions within the independence movement have threatened to take over the party’s governance structures in the wake of the Oct. 19 vote, in which roughly 75 per cent of Albertans rejected the prospect of a future independence referendum. Smith has asked members to accept the result, warning that an internal civil war over separation would sink the party ahead of next year’s provincial election.