The head of a prominent separatist group in Alberta is taking steps to trigger a review of Premier Danielle Smith’s leadership or to push for a different referendum question, as revealed in an interview with CBC News on Tuesday.
Mitch Sylvestre, the CEO of Alberta Prosperity Project and leader of the Stay Free Alberta organization, recently spearheaded a separatist petition aimed at introducing a clear independence question on ballots, though it was dismissed by an Alberta judge.
Expressing disappointment with Smith’s decision to present a referendum with two options rather than a straightforward stay-or-leave question for Albertans, Sylvestre suggested that the premier’s support among separatists has waned significantly since her last leadership review in 2024.
Sylvestre, who also serves as the president of a UCP riding association in northeast Alberta, is in talks with supporters to explore various strategies in response to Smith’s referendum question.
By garnering the endorsement of 21 additional UCP riding associations, Sylvestre could compel the party to convene a special general meeting this season, akin to the one that allowed members to vote on former premier Jason Kenney’s leadership in 2022.
While contemplating options beyond a direct leadership review, Sylvestre hinted at the possibility of challenging the referendum question itself. He indicated that he is split evenly between these potential courses of action.
The UCP, led by Rob Smith, has declared its intention to remain neutral on the upcoming referendum in October, citing internal discord within the party. This stance contrasts with the premier’s and her cabinet’s advocacy for the “remain” option.
Despite criticisms from figures like Jeffrey Rath, the chief legal representative for Stay Free Alberta, Rob Smith maintained that grassroots United Conservatives stand behind the compromise question proposed by the premier.
Although there is growing discontent within the separatist movement towards Smith due to the ambiguity of the referendum question and her pro-federalist stance, some believe that any opposition to the premier may not be sufficient to unseat her.
Sylvestre aims to announce his next steps in early June, intending to rally support from Stay Free petition canvassers for his initiatives. His ultimate goal is to contribute to the transition team should Alberta achieve independence following a successful secession vote.