Alberta premier rejects UCP president’s claim government is muting pro-Canada referendum ads

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is rejecting a claim by United Conservative Party president Rob Smith that her government is keeping its messaging neutral on the question of whether Alberta should remain in Canada.

The premier said Monday that she has been clear about her position and that the provincial government’s $4-million advertising campaign promotes Alberta remaining a sovereign province within a united Canada. Smith has repeatedly said she plans to vote for Alberta to remain in Canada.

The issue centres on Question 10 in Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum. Voters will be asked whether Alberta should remain a province of Canada or whether the provincial government should begin the constitutional process required to hold a future binding referendum on separation. Elections Alberta says the result of Question 10 will not itself be binding.

Rob Smith, who is not related to the premier, wrote on social media that the premier had told him government messaging on Question 10 would be as neutral as possible and less persuasive than messaging on the other nine referendum questions. The premier rejected that characterization, according to reporting by The Canadian Press.

Smith has faced criticism for not actively campaigning for the pro-Canada position, while some UCP members have expressed support for Alberta separation. The provincial government has said its position is to build a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.