Alberta separatist Jeff Rath kicked out of governing United Conservative Party
The United Conservative Party (UCP) in Alberta has revoked the membership of separatist Jeff Rath, citing his public conduct and opposition to the party's federalist direction. This move follows a recent referendum where Albertans voted to remain in Canada, prompting the UCP to consolidate its stance.
Why it matters
The expulsion marks a significant effort by Premier Danielle Smith to unify her party and marginalize separatist factions following a decisive provincial referendum.
In an email sent to Rath on Thursday and viewed by CBC News, Dustin Van Vugt, the party's executive director, said that Rath's "words and actions have made clear" that he does not support the party or its objectives.
"Your public conduct in relation to our party and leader has not met the basic standard of decency we expect of our members when they disagree or otherwise."
His membership was revoked immediately, Van Vugt wrote.
After Albertans voted decisively to remain within Canada on Oct. 19, Premier Danielle Smith made it clear the UCP would be a federalist party going forward. But with pre-referendum polling suggesting that independence was popular among UCP members, there's been much speculation about how she would address the separatist faction within her base.
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