---
title: "Smith tells separatists to leave UCP or back pro-Canada stance"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/smith-tells-separatists-to-leave-ucp-or-back-pro-canada-stance"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/smith-tells-separatists-to-leave-ucp-or-back-pro-canada-stance"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/smith-tells-separatists-to-leave-ucp-or-back-pro-canada-stance.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/smith-tells-separatists-to-leave-ucp-or-back-pro-canada-stance"
category: "Politics"
published: "2026-10-22T01:05:29.842Z"
source_reported: "2026-10-21T22:37:48.000Z"
updated: "2026-10-22T01:05:29.842Z"
trust_score: 76
critic_score: 95
hype_score: 25
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-10-22T02:15:16.131663+00:00"
---

# Smith tells separatists to leave UCP or back pro-Canada stance

*Alberta premier draws line after referendum results show voters rejected separatism.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 76 of 100, higher is better. Trust 76: multiple named sources, specific dates/places, figures, and corroboration across many outlets raise confidence.
- Craft 95 of 100, higher is better. Critic 95: clear context, multiple quotes, specific data, next steps outlined, and cohesive narrative.
- Hype 25 of 100, lower is better. Hype 25: language is measured; headline matches article without sensational exaggeration.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Premier Danielle Smith stated that members of the United Conservative Party (UCP) who support separatism must either align with a pro-Canada stance or depart the party.
- Referendum results indicated that Albertans voted against separatism, with the separatist side losing the vote.
- UCP legislature member Jason Stephan announced he will not seek re-election following his vote in favour of a second binding referendum on separation.
- Five of the ten referendum questions concerning immigration received majority support from voters.

Premier Danielle Smith announced that members of the United Conservative Party (UCP) who advocate for separatism must either commit to a pro-Canada position or leave the party. Smith made these remarks to reporters following a referendum where Albertans voted against separatism. She stated that the will of Albertans to remain in Canada was clear in the referendum results. Smith also indicated that the UCP is not an independence party and that a strong Alberta within a united Canada is the party's and government's stance.

The referendum results showed that Albertans rejected separatism, with the separatist side losing the vote. Five of the ten referendum questions on immigration received majority support from voters. UCP legislature member Jason Stephan announced he will not seek re-election after voting for a second binding referendum. Political scientist Lisa Young suggested Smith's stance might indicate concern about winning over voters in Calgary or Edmonton if the separation issue is not addressed.

## Disagreement on referendum outcome

While Premier Danielle Smith stated that Albertans voted to remain in Canada and rejected separatism, The Toronto Star, The Hamilton Spectator, St Catharines Standard, NiagaraFallsReview.ca, and Global News reported that separatists claim their cause has been strengthened by the referendum. These outlets also noted that Alberta voters appeared to be leaning towards 'Yes' on five immigration questions.

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated digests mention the specific number of referendum questions on immigration that received majority support from voters. The right-rated digest does not detail the referendum results beyond Premier Smith's statement.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 51 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 84% (43)
- Centre: 12% (6)
- Right: 4% (2)

3 of 54 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-10-22T02:15:16.131663+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 7 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-10-22T02:45:14.130Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated reports focused on Premier Danielle Smith's directive to UCP members regarding separatism, quoting her statement that the United Conservative Party is not an independence party and that those intent on dividing it should join a different party. These reports also highlighted that Albertans rejected separatism in the referendum and that UCP legislature member Jason Stephan will not seek re-election. Some left-rated reports noted that separatists claim their cause has been strengthened by the referendum, despite the results. Political scientist Lisa Young was quoted suggesting Smith's stance could be an effort to appeal to Calgary or Edmonton voters.

### Centre

- The centre-rated report mentioned Alberta's referendum vote strengthening national unity and Prairie leaders pushing for east-west trade. It also noted Premier Danielle Smith's comments on the referendum results.

### Right

- The right-rated report highlighted Premier Danielle Smith's statement that UCP separatists can 'join a different party' if they are not moving on after the referendum vote. The report included a photograph of Premier Smith answering media questions.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 1
- high: 31
- unknown: 3
- veryHigh: 19

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [The Epoch Times](https://theepochtimes.com/world/albertas-smith-says-ucp-separatists-can-join-a-different-party-if-not-moving-on-after-referendum-vote-6107284) — Alberta’s Smith Says UCP Separatists Can ‘Join a Different Party’ if Not Moving On After Referendum Vote
- [620 CKRM The Source | Country Music, News, Sports in Sask…](https://620ckrm.com/2026/10/21/podcast-alberta-vote-strengthens-national-unity-as-prairie-leaders-push-east-west-trade) — PODCAST: Alberta vote strengthens national unity as Prairie leaders push east-west trade
- [Red Deer Advocate](https://reddeeradvocate.com/2026/10/21/premier-says-she-expects-ucp-representatives-accept-referendum-results) — Premier says she expects UCP representatives accept referendum results
- [Guelph Today](https://guelphtoday.com/national-news/albertas-smith-tells-ucp-members-to-get-on-team-canada-or-find-new-party-12918624) — Alberta's Smith tells UCP members to get on team Canada or find new party
- [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/edmonton/article/albertas-smith-tells-ucp-members-to-get-on-team-canada-or-find-new-party) — Alberta's Smith tells UCP members to get on team Canada or find new party
- [Chek news](https://cheknews.ca/albertas-smith-tells-ucp-members-to-get-on-team-canada-or-find-new-party-1355103) — Alberta's Smith tells UCP members to get on team Canada or find new party
- [Coast Reporter](https://coastreporter.net/national-news/albertas-smith-tells-ucp-members-to-get-on-team-canada-or-find-new-party-12918636) — Alberta's Smith tells UCP members to get on team Canada or find new party
- [ElliotLakeToday.com](https://elliotlaketoday.com/national-news/albertas-smith-tells-ucp-members-to-get-on-team-canada-or-find-new-party-12918624) — Alberta's Smith tells UCP members to get on team Canada or find new party
- [Sudbury](https://sudbury.com/national/albertas-smith-tells-ucp-members-to-get-on-team-canada-or-find-new-party-12918624) — Alberta's Smith tells UCP members to get on team Canada or find new party
- [Thorold Today](https://thoroldtoday.ca/national-news/albertas-smith-tells-ucp-members-to-get-on-team-canada-or-find-new-party-12918624) — Alberta's Smith tells UCP members to get on team Canada or find new party
- [burlingtontoday.com](https://burlingtontoday.com/national-news/albertas-smith-tells-ucp-members-to-get-on-team-canada-or-find-new-party-12918624) — Alberta's Smith tells UCP members to get on team Canada or find new party
- [The Globe & Mail](https://theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-danielle-smith-ucp-separatists-referendum-independence) — Smith tells UCP separatists to move on from referendum or find a new party
- [Airdrie City View](https://airdriecityview.com/alberta-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918619) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [Bay Today](https://baytoday.ca/national-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918624) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [CambridgeToday.ca](https://cambridgetoday.ca/national-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918624) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [Collingwood Today](https://collingwoodtoday.ca/national-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918624) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [Elora Fergus Today](https://elorafergustoday.com/national-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918624) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [InnisfilToday.ca](https://innisfiltoday.ca/national-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918624) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [Medicine Hat News](https://medicinehatnews.com/news/national-news/2026/10/21/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [Midland Today](https://midlandtoday.ca/national-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918624) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [Newmarket Today](https://newmarkettoday.ca/national-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918624) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [Orillia Matters](https://orilliamatters.com/national-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918624) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [Rocky Mountain Outlook](https://rmoutlook.com/alberta-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918619) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [SooToday.com](https://sootoday.com/national-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918624) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [The Lethbridge Herald](https://lethbridgeherald.com/news/national-news/2026/10/21/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [Timmins Today](https://timminstoday.com/national-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918624) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [flamboroughtoday.com](https://flamboroughtoday.com/national-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918624) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [thealbertan.com](https://thealbertan.com/alberta-news/cp-newsalert-smith-tells-ucp-members-not-on-team-canada-to-find-new-party-12918619) — CP Smith tells UCP members not on team Canada to find new party
- [Calgary Herald](https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/bell-danielle-smiths-ultimatum-to-ucp-separatists-toe-the-party-line-or-leave) — Bell: Danielle Smith's ultimatum to UCP separatists — toe the party line or leave
- [CBC News](https://cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/premier-news-conference-wednesday-calgary-9.7390066) — Alberta premier says UCP must be pro-Canada, separatists can 'join a different party'
- [Radio-Canada](https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2294738/danielle-smith-pcu-speratistes-referendum) — Danielle Smith Imposes Federalism Within His Party
- [National Observer](https://nationalobserver.com/2026/10/21/news/alberta-premier-smith-tells-ucp-separatists-toe-pro-canada-line-or-find-new-party) — Alberta Premier Smith tells UCP separatists to toe pro-Canada line or find new party
- [Calgary Journal Online](https://calgaryjournal.ca/2026/10/20/%E2%96%B7watch-political-leaders-say-alberta-referendum-shows-canada-can-work-but-needs-work) — ▷WATCH: Political leaders say Alberta referendum shows Canada can work — but needs work
- [Today In BC](https://todayinbc.com/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU
- [Penticton Western News](https://pentictonwesternnews.com/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU
- [Sooke News Mirror](https://sookenewsmirror.com/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU
- [Smithers Interior News](https://interior-news.com/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU - The Interior News - Smithers BC
- [Kitimat Northern Sentinel](https://northernsentinel.com/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU - Northern Sentinel
- [The Free Press](https://thefreepress.ca/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU
- [Peninsula News Review](https://peninsulanewsreview.com/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU
- [Houston Today](https://houston-today.com/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU
- [ominecaexpress.com](https://ominecaexpress.com/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU - Vanderhoof Omineca Express
- [grandforksgazette.ca](https://grandforksgazette.ca/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU
- [Caledonia Courier](https://caledoniacourier.com/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU - Fort St. James Caledonia Courier
- [crestonvalleyadvance.ca](https://crestonvalleyadvance.ca/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU
- [Nanaimo News Bulletin](https://nanaimobulletin.com/2026/10/20/the-albertan-separatism-movement-has-no-clear-end-goal-argues-political-commentator-at-viu) — The Albertan separatism movement has no clear end goal argues political commentator at VIU
- [TVA Nouvelles](https://tvanouvelles.ca/2026/10/20/lalberta-reste-dans-le-canada-danielle-smith-dans-une-position-inconfortable-politiquement-selon-yasmine-abdelfadel) — Alberta Remains in Canada: Danielle Smith "in an Uncomfortable Position" Politically, According to Yasmine Abdelfadel
- [The Record](https://therecord.com/rolling-file/alberta-ndp-leader-shifts-focus-to-provincial-politics-after-referendum-defeat/article_2525a6b1-02d2-5a49-adc7-b0240cb91893.html) — Alberta NDP Leader shifts focus to provincial politics after referendum defeat
- [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/a-win-for-now-but-the-alberta-unity-question-isn-t-settled-yet/article_02047662-e206-4b9a-83c5-1c77477eb697.html) — Susan Delacourt: A win for now, but the Alberta unity question isn’t settled yet
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/opinion/columnists/a-win-for-now-but-the-alberta-unity-question-isn-t-settled-yet/article_3626aeca-f4fc-57c5-8832-bf236ebe438a.html) — A win for now, but the Alberta unity question isn’t settled yet
- [St Catharines Standard](https://stcatharinesstandard.ca/opinion/columnists/a-win-for-now-but-the-alberta-unity-question-isn-t-settled-yet/article_03f3b8f5-8126-5bde-8b78-1c9afd3e0444.html) — A win for now, but the Alberta unity question isn’t settled yet
- [NiagaraFallsReview.ca](https://niagarafallsreview.ca/opinion/columnists/a-win-for-now-but-the-alberta-unity-question-isn-t-settled-yet/article_f209255b-0baf-55f3-927a-5afbb65a1c25.html) — A win for now, but the Alberta unity question isn’t settled yet
- [Global News](https://globalnews.ca/video/12109390/alberta-referendum-results-show-clear-rejection-of-the-politics-of-division-ndp) — Alberta referendum results show ‘clear rejection of the politics of division’: NDP
- [INTELLINEWS](https://intelli.news/2026/10/19/as-alberta-holds-a-referendum-on-separatism-premier-danielle-smith-has-alienated-both-sides) — As Alberta Holds a Referendum on Separatism, Premier Danielle Smith Has Alienated Both Sides

## Questions

**What did Premier Danielle Smith say about separatists in her party?**

Premier Danielle Smith stated that members of her United Conservative Party who support separatism must either embrace a pro-Canada stance or leave the party. She emphasised that the UCP is not an independence party and that a strong Alberta within a united Canada is the party's and government's position.

**What were the results of the Alberta referendum?**

The referendum results showed that Albertans voted against separatism, with the separatist side losing the vote. Five of the ten referendum questions concerning immigration received majority support from voters.

**What is the significance of Jason Stephan not seeking re-election?**

UCP legislature member Jason Stephan announced he will not seek re-election after voting for a second binding referendum on separation. Premier Smith stated that Stephan decided to walk away on his own and that she supported his decision.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/smith-tells-separatists-to-leave-ucp-or-back-pro-canada-stance. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Smith tells separatists to leave UCP or back pro-Canada stance", https://mediabias.news/politics/smith-tells-separatists-to-leave-ucp-or-back-pro-canada-stance