Jason Stephan, MLA, Red Deer-South. (Image Credit: rdnewsNOW file photo)

By The Canadian Press

Provincial Politics

United Conservatives express patriotism after MLA supports separatist petition

Mar 30, 2026 | 3:58 PM

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and members of her United Conservative government expressed their unwavering love for Canada today as the Opposition NDP accused them of harbouring a separatist.

Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams pointed to the singing of the national anthem at the start of legislature sitting as a sign of their staunch patriotism.

And Smith reiterated her long-standing support for what she calls a sovereign Alberta within a United Canada.

The debate came just days after UCP backbencher Jason Stephan publicly pushed for Albertans to sign a petition calling for a referendum on separatism.

Stephan, who is also the premier’s parliamentary secretary for constitutional affairs, declined to stop to answer questions from reporters on his way into the house.

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

Apr 04, 2026

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

NDP deputy leader Rakhi Pancholi says Stephan’s statements prove Smith’s caucus harbours separatists and she reiterated a call for Stephan to be removed from the UCP benches.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 30, 2026.