Former Alberta Premier Says UCP Shouldn’t Sign Separation Petition

Former Jason Kenney has publicly criticised members of the governing United Conservative Party caucus, saying they “have no business” signing a petition that would push for a referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada. Kenney’s comments escalate political tensions in the province as debate intensifies over the Citizen Initiative Act and growing separatist sentiment.

Kenney, who served as Alberta’s premier and led the UCP until 2022, made the remarks in response to claims by separatist activists that some UCP members had agreed to put their names to a petition aimed at forcing a referendum on provincial independence. Organisers of the petition — which asks Albertans if the province should leave Confederation — say they are gathering signatures under changes made to provincial petition rules late last year.

Under Alberta’s Citizen Initiative Act, petitions that meet signature requirements can compel the province to hold a referendum on major issues, including questions of sovereignty. The petitioners need tens of thousands of valid signatures by a set deadline for Elections Alberta to certify the document, after which officials would consider whether to proceed with the vote.

Kenney’s intervention reflects wider concern among some political figures that elected officials — even if sympathetic to aspects of regional discontent — should not formally endorse or sign petitions that question Canada’s constitutional integrity, especially when they hold public office representing all constituents. He argued that caucus members should focus on governance and unity within Canada rather than aligning with separatist efforts.

The push for a referendum on Alberta’s future has also drawn criticism from other quarters. Opposition politicians and business groups have warned that talk of separation could deter investment and create economic uncertainty, echoing concerns similar to those voiced after separatist movements in other provinces historically.

Premier Danielle Smith has tried to thread a line between acknowledging regional frustration and maintaining that her government seeks a strong Alberta within Canada. Her office has avoided confirming whether specific caucus members have signed the petition, saying the group respects individual rights to engage in citizen-led initiatives.

As the petition campaign continues — with organisers holding public events across the province to gather signatures — the question of how elected members relate to separatism will likely remain a focal point of political debate in Alberta, especially with a referendum still possible if enough valid signatures are collected.