Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has cemented her leadership with an overwhelming endorsement in the United Conservative Party (UCP) leadership review, winning 91.5 percent of party support. Addressing more than 6,000 attendees at the annual general meeting, Smith expressed deep gratitude for the party’s affirmation, calling it an “overwhelming vote of confidence” in her direction for Alberta.
“I’m truly humbled and honoured by the overwhelming support of our party members,” Smith told supporters after the results were announced. “Our conservative movement is as strong as it’s ever been, and our party is more united than it has ever been.”
The UCP’s gathering attracted over 6,000 members, believed to be the largest political event of its kind in Canadian history. More than 4,000 cast their ballots in a confidential leadership review. The turnout reflects an intense interest among Alberta conservatives in Smith’s leadership at a time when the province grapples with significant economic and social issues, from federal policy disputes to local reforms in education and civil rights.
The vote was seen as a critical test for Smith, whose policies have stirred both passionate support and notable dissent within Alberta’s conservative base. Winning 91.5 per cent of the vote, Smith has effectively quashed lingering doubts about her authority within the UCP. This backing is expected to strengthen her ability to steer the party through the remainder of her mandate and into the next provincial election in 2027.
During her speech, Smith highlighted her administration’s recent initiatives and legislative proposals, which have both energized her supporters and drawn criticism. Among these are reforms in Alberta’s education system regarding gender identity and re-evaluating the Alberta Bill of Rights. Additionally, Smith has maintained her stance on protecting Alberta’s interests within the federation, specifically regarding energy policies and federal government oversight of Alberta’s oil industry and electricity grid.
“Moving forward together, we will soundly defeat Naheed Nenshi in 2027,” Smith said to an enthusiastic crowd. Smith’s focus on unity reflects a calculated move to bridge the divides within her party, unifying various factions under a shared vision.
While Smith’s majority support underscores the UCP’s backing of her direction, not all members are fully on board. Some conservative members have criticized her for not taking a stronger stance on pandemic-era grievances, particularly regarding restrictions and mandates. This segment of the UCP remains wary of her approach to healthcare and civil rights reforms, though the leadership vote suggests such views are not widespread enough to significantly undermine her position.
Political analysts have pointed out that despite the dissent from some within her party, Smith’s leadership is well-secured. The endorsement could now allow her to shift her focus from addressing base-oriented concerns to implementing campaign promises designed to benefit Alberta more broadly. Observers suggest this could signal a turning point in her administration, as the Premier may now seek to consolidate her support by pursuing policy goals aimed at broader constituencies.
Smith’s successful leadership review sets a definitive path for the UCP as it gears up for the next election cycle. By securing near-universal support from her party, she has gained momentum to implement her vision without significant internal opposition. As Smith noted, the party’s unity will be a decisive factor in upcoming political battles, particularly against the Alberta NDP, as both parties vie to shape Alberta’s future.
With her leadership mandate strengthened, Danielle Smith faces the challenge of not only addressing her conservative base but also appealing to a broader Albertan population. As Alberta’s political landscape continues to evolve, Smith’s strategic moves will likely determine the trajectory of both her leadership and the UCP’s future in Alberta.