Kenney urges UCP to reject separatists after Alberta referendum

Former premier Jason Kenney said Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, that Alberta's United Conservative Party must return to its federalist roots and remove separatists after the province's referendum, speaking to business leaders in Edmonton alongside former premier Rachel Notley as Albertans voted on questions about the province's future in Canada. Kenney, who co-founded the governing United Conservative Party, said the party faces a major internal decision following the referendum process. He argued separatist members have gained too much influence within the organization.

According to Global News, Kenney said the UCP must determine whether it remains committed to the federalist principles that shaped its creation. He said members supporting separation should no longer have a role if the party maintains that position.

The comments came as advance polls opened for Alberta's referendum, which included 10 questions before the final polling day on Monday. The central question asked whether Alberta should remain in Canada or hold a second binding referendum on leaving the country.

Kenney made the remarks during an Edmonton Chamber luncheon with Rachel Notley, his former political opponent. The event focused on assessments of the possible economic cost of Alberta's referendum. Kenney's political history in Alberta includes leading the United Conservatives to defeat Notley's New Democratic Party government in 2019. He later left the premier's office, and Danielle Smith became UCP leader in 2022.

Notley attended the event as a former Alberta premier and former leader of the provincial NDP. The discussion placed both former leaders together as the province considered the referendum questions. According to Global News, the referendum process asked Albertans to weigh in on whether the province should continue within Canada or proceed toward a separate vote with legal consequences.

The United Conservative Party remains Alberta's governing party under Premier Danielle Smith. The referendum results were pending as Albertans approached the final polling day.