Danielle Smith denies watering down government messaging on independence question

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stood by her support for a 'sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.' Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on Monday reiterated her position that the province should remain in Canada, even as her United Conservative Party grapples with an internal fight over separatism and a constituency association openly called for a leadership review.

On Monday, Ms. Smith disputed a social media post by UCP president Rob Smith, in which he claimed that she watered down the government’s messaging around the upcoming independence question in a bid to appear neutral.

On Oct. 19, Alberta voters will pick between two options: remain in Canada, or begin working toward holding a second, binding secession vote.