UCP AGM Day 2: Danielle Smith’s Keynote – A Pivotal Moment for Alberta Independence?

As the United Conservative Party (UCP) Annual General Meeting (AGM) continues in Edmonton, Day 2 brought a mix of optimism from the stage and growing resolve among pro-independence Albertans. Building on the energy from Day 1—where our constitutional lawyer Jeffrey Rath ignited the crowd with calls for a “free and independent Alberta,” earning a standing ovation before his microphone was abruptly cut—we turn our focus to Premier Danielle Smith’s keynote address. While Smith celebrated recent federal concessions as a “win” for Alberta, her speech also urged Albertans to abandon thoughts of independence just as Ottawa’s grip appears to be loosening. From the Alberta Prosperity Project’s (APP) perspective, this is precisely the wrong message: these short-term gains mask deeper systemic issues, and true sovereignty remains the only path to lasting prosperity.

For context, Day 1 highlighted the strength of pro-independence sentiment within the UCP ranks. As detailed in our voter guide for pro-Alberta independence candidates vying for UCP board positions (available here), voices like Rath’s resonated deeply. Journalist David Krayden captured the moment in a post on X, noting Rath’s leadership in the ovation and questioning whether Smith’s recent energy deal with Prime Minister Mark Carney represents “the biggest political miscalculation in Canadian history.” Krayden highlighted Carney’s admission of a 600% increase in Alberta’s industrial carbon tax starting in April 2026, buried in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on Thursday. He also pointed out Smith’s belief that the pipeline promise would “quiet down the Alberta independence movement.” The video from Krayden’s post shows the crowd’s enthusiasm for independence, underscoring that Albertans are not ready to settle.

WATCH Stand on Guard pod LIVE today where we break it all down without the msm BS.

WATCH All eyes 👀on Alberta this weekend. @JeffreyRWRath leads a standing ovation for a "free and independent Alberta" at the UCP convention.
Mark Carney let the cat😼 out of the bag when he… pic.twitter.com/0FropjbLy0

— David Krayden (@DavidKrayden) November 29, 2025

Replies to Krayden’s post echo this frustration: one user called the mic cut on Rath “disgusting” and a blow to free speech under Smith, while others decried ongoing equalization payments and demanded separation. “We don’t want to deal with Ottawa anymore, independence is the only option!!!” wrote one commenter, capturing the grassroots momentum.

Danielle Smith’s Keynote: Celebrating Federal Concessions While Dismissing Independence

Introduced by MLA Brandon Lunty, who praised her leadership and commitment to Albertans, Smith took the stage to a warm reception from the 4,450 delegates. Her speech recounted Alberta’s recent battles against federal overreach under the former Trudeau-Singh government, crediting collective efforts for turning the tide. She highlighted the resignation of Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault following the new energy agreement, which she described as “monumental.”

Key points from Smith’s address included:

• Energy Deal Highlights: The agreement promises to double oil production by 2035, build new pipeline capacity (including a 1 million barrel-per-day bitumen pipeline to Asian markets), suspend net-zero power regulations in Alberta, and facilitate AI data centre investments powered by natural gas. It also repeals the oil and gas emissions cap, overhauls Bill C-69 (the “no new pipeline law”), and lifts the oil tanker ban with exemptions.
• Immigration and Growth: Smith announced plans to take primary control over Alberta’s immigration system to prioritize economic migrants and Canadian citizens, criticizing Ottawa’s “open borders” policy.
• Education Reforms: Investments of $8.6 billion for new school spaces, hiring 3,000 teachers and 1,500 education assistants, and addressing classroom complexity by creating specialized settings for students with special needs. She vowed to protect parental choice, including charter, independent, and homeschooling options.
• Health Care Overhaul: Reforms to reduce bureaucracy, introduce dual-practice legislation for doctors (allowing private elective surgeries outside regular hours), shift to activity-based funding, and empower private diagnostic testing with government reimbursements for serious conditions.
• Freedom and Justice Initiatives: Funding police, seeking justice for victims, mandating addiction treatment, protecting free speech through new legislation (dubbed the “Peterson law”), and invoking the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act to block federal gun seizures and protect self-defence rights.
• Protecting Children: Bans on graphic sexual images in school libraries, restrictions on puberty blockers and gender reassignment surgeries for minors (using the notwithstanding clause), protections for women in sports, and mandatory parental notification for name or pronoun changes.

Smith concluded by invoking Alberta’s motto—”Strong and Free”—and urging unity to lead Canada forward, rather than pursuing independence. “Let’s not throw in the towel and give up on our country just as the battle has turned in our favor,” she said, emphasizing that Albertans are “the proudest of Canadians” who seek freedom, peace, and prosperity within confederation.

Watch the full keynote address below:

The Independence Angle: Why Smith’s “Win” Falls Short

While Smith’s speech was energizing and outlined tangible policy advancements, it glosses over the fundamental betrayal Albertans have endured from Ottawa for decades. The energy deal, while welcome on the surface, is fraught with uncertainties. As constitutional lawyer Keith Wilson, K.C. (@ikwilson), pointed out in recent X posts, the MOU is more distraction than deliverance. Wilson applauded Smith’s negotiation efforts but warned: “So far, little has been achieved that will materially improve the prospects for a prosperous and happy life for our children.” He criticized Ottawa’s reckless spending, eco-extremist policies, authoritarian laws, and immigration strains, concluding: “The only realistic path to a truly prosperous future for Alberta’s children is to free ourselves from ideological extremists and incompetent politicians in Ottawa. Alberta must take control of its destiny—independence is the solution.”

I applaud Premier Smith and her team for negotiating the MOU with Carney — it shows effort and initiative.

But let’s be honest: so far, little has been achieved that will materially improve the prospects for a prosperous and happy life for our children.

The MOU risks… pic.twitter.com/kIv6wbM6sG

— Keith Wilson, K.C. (@ikwilson) November 28, 2025

Wilson also dismantled Carney’s claims, noting that the Prime Minister’s insistence on BC and First Nations’ “agreement” for pipelines effectively grants a veto not supported by the Constitution. “Carney’s ‘necessary conditions’ are actually new barriers… It’s no victory if it’s true that Carney is giving BC and First Nations a veto. It’s looking like a ruse,” Wilson wrote. These insights align with APP’s policies (detailed here), which emphasize sovereignty to protect Alberta’s resources, economy, and freedoms from federal interference.

Smith’s call to “double down” on Canada ignores the reality that Ottawa’s concessions are reversible and often come with strings—like the embedded carbon tax hike. As Rath’s Day 1 moment demonstrated, Albertans are increasingly unwilling to trust federal promises. Independence isn’t about giving up; it’s about securing control over our destiny, free from equalization drains and ideological mandates.

Highlights from the Floor

Amid the proceedings, APP CEO Mitch Sylvestre was spotted networking with “The Most Albertan Man in the World” at the AGM, symbolizing the grassroots spirit driving our movement.

Our CEO @MitchSylvestre6 spotted with the Most Albertan Man in the World at the #UCPAGM. pic.twitter.com/iTcjW7MLSz

— Alberta Prosperity Project (@ABProsperityPrj) November 29, 2025

If you’re passionate about Alberta’s future, join us at www.albertaprosperityproject.com and support pro-sovereignty candidates.

All facts in this article, including details of the energy deal and resignations, are based on the provided transcript and verified public statements as of November 29, 2025.