The time may not yet have come for Alberta to declare independence but across Alberta, United Conservative Party members are calling for the discussion. That, and the recognition that the Canada we once believed in no longer exists, and that it may now be time to consider what comes next.That conversation must now be allowed to take place.Members of the UCP have every right — indeed, a duty — to advise their party leadership on questions of profound importance. And few questions today are more profound than Alberta’s place in confederation. After all, if a party convention called for the purpose of discussing policy cannot entertain this discussion, then what is the point of party democracy at all?It must be admitted that Alberta independence as a policy goal, is no longer fringe. According to internal party sources, some five per cent of proposed resolutions submitted this year advocate for exactly that. These proposals are being treated “with the respect they deserve.” They should be — polls suggest strong support for Alberta independence within the UCP..While the discussion must take place however, supporting an open debate on independence does not mean driving out those who continue to be federalists. It does not mean demanding blind obedience from UCP MLAs. If the party were to adopt independence as a long-term goal, it must remain a big tent — one that welcomes federalists and nationalists alike. UCP MLAs should not be required to support independence as a matter of party discipline, nor should dissenting voices be silenced. And in any case, on this as in other things, it is the elected government that makes the decision, not the party.Yes, there is a tension here. Nevertheless, failing to discuss the issue would itself be divisive and indeed, would rob the UCP of its greatest strength: its broad coalition of liberty-minded Albertans from all walks of life. Federalist MLAs have a right to their convictions. In the face of Ottawa’s continuing anti-Alberta strategies, we would hope that should independence become the party's policy, they would continue to support Premier Danielle Smith’s government: walking away over a non-binding resolution would not only fracture the party, but could trigger a snap election. This in turn could deliver victory to a socialist NDP, that would conveniently reveal a devotion hitherto unsuspected to king, country and the status quo.That is precisely the outcome the NDP wants. The NDP, freshly led by Naheed Nenshi and newly energized by by-election wins in Edmonton, knows that division within the UCP is its only path to power..So, the risk is real. And yes, it must be weighed.But so must the prize.Even if there is only a one-in-four chance of achieving independence — of finally unshackling Alberta from the suffocating grip of a hostile federal government — is that not worth the political risk? After all, what is the alternative? More Ottawa interference, more red tape, more transfer payments flowing East as pipelines stall while debt and mass migration rise?Premier Smith has not stoked this fire. To the contrary, she has worked diligently to keep the independence movement inside the UCP tent, rather than allowing it to fracture the right and hand power to the NDP — as happened in 2015. The recent by-election in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills is proof of the wisdom of that strategy. The UCP lost little ground to the upstart Republican Party, held the seat comfortably, and showed independence-minded Albertans are still willing to trust Smith’s leadership..It was a reminder though, that if the UCP does not provide a home for Albertans who believe independence must at least be discussed, then others will.Smith knows this. That’s why she has wisely left the door open to a citizen-led referendum. That is also why she has reminded us that the UCP, as constituted today, is not bound to federalism by any constitutional provision or founding principle. Debate is allowed. More than that — it’s necessary.Of course, talking about independence makes Ottawa uncomfortable. That’s at least part of the point. As Smith herself has said, the prime minister has a narrow window to show meaningful change. But so far, his government continues to insult Alberta’s intelligence and damage its interests — all while asking for silence.We must not oblige. Nor must we pretend that the unity of Canada can survive only if Albertans are gagged. If Canada is to survive, it will be because we face hard questions with honesty.And if we can’t even do that inside the largest political party in Alberta, then maybe the West really does want out.
