Danielle Smith Rejects Claim of Neutral Alberta Messaging on Separation Vote Alberta Premier Danielle Smith denies muting pro-Canada messaging ahead of the Oct. 19 separation referendum, citing a $4-million ad campaign to remain in Canada. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is rejecting a claim from her party president that her government is muting its pro-Canada messaging ahead of the separation vote. Smith says she hasn’t been neutral and that her United Conservative Party government’s $4-million ad campaign urges Alberta to remain a sovereign province within a united Canada. The dispute comes as Alberta prepares for an Oct. 19 referendum on separation. Premier denies neutral stance on separationSmith has said repeatedly she plans to vote for Alberta to stay in Canada in the Oct. 19 referendum. But she has been criticized for not actively stumping for the pro-Canada side. Her comment comes after UCP president Rob Smith wrote on social media that the premier promised him government messaging on the referendum’s separation question would be as neutral as possible.The premier is walking a balancing act with her party on the issue, as some members want to leave Canada and are publicly unhappy with her support for the country to stay in Confederation.UCP president claim sparks internal disputeRob Smith, the president of the United Conservative Party, wrote on social media that the premier had promised him government messaging on the referendum’s separation question would be as neutral as possible. That claim was rejected by Danielle Smith, who said she has not been neutral and pointed to her government’s $4-million ad campaign urging Alberta to remain a sovereign province within a united Canada.The exchange highlights a rare public disagreement between the premier and her party president. It also underscores the internal divisions within the UCP over the separation question.Referendum campaign and internal divisionsAlberta’s referendum on separation is scheduled for Oct. 19. Premier Smith has said she will vote for Alberta to stay in Canada, but she has faced criticism for not actively campaigning for the pro-Canada side. Her government’s $4-million ad campaign promotes the message that Alberta should remain a sovereign province within a united Canada.Smith’s balancing act is complicated by factions within her party. Some UCP members want Alberta to leave Canada and are publicly unhappy with her support for the province remaining in Confederation. The premier’s rejection of the neutrality claim appears aimed at reassuring pro-Canada supporters while not alienating separatist elements in her party.The Canadian Press first published this report on Sept. 21, 2026.