Bell: Attention separatists — Danielle Smith doubles down on Alberta in Canada

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal NewsNationalPoliticsOpinionColumnists Bell: Attention separatists — Danielle Smith doubles down on Alberta in Canada The separatists won't like it but Premier Smith makes clear where she stands on Alberta staying in Canada Author of the article: By Rick Bell Published Sep 21, 2026 Last updated 9 minutes ago 3 minute read Join the conversation Alberta Premier Danielle Smith answers questions from media at the 2026 Oilsands Expo in Fort McMurray, Alta. on Sept. 16, 2026. Itoro Umanah/Fort McMurray Today Article content In my last column, a separatist leader tells us many UCP members are not happy Premier Danielle Smith is campaigning for what she calls a sovereign Alberta in a united Canada. Article content They want the premier to state her position and then remain neutral. In other words, zip it! Article content Article content Those separatists see Smith promoting Alberta staying in Canada as putting a finger on the scale when it comes to the Oct. 19 vote of Albertans on whether the province should remain in Canada or pursue an actual Yes/No vote on leaving the country. Article content Article content Here is Smith on Monday. You cannot accuse her of not making her position plain this day. Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content “I’m not a neutral party,” says Smith. Article content “I believe we should remain.” Article content Smith says she wants to acknowledge the anger with the past deeds of the federal Liberal government. Article content The premier adds she wants to address the grievances many Albertans have with Canada and wants to make sure Alberta never gets screwed over by Ottawa ever again. Article content But … listen up! Article content “Let’s double down on trying to make things work. That’s what I’m doing. I think the prime minister is doing that too.” Article content Smith goes on and talks about the founding principles of the UCP, the United Conservative Party she leads. Article content She says the party principles are clear. The UCP is not a separatist party. It is a party backing Alberta in Canada. Article content It is an odd situation since…