UCP Activists Demand Bold Changes from Premier Danielle Smith NOW

UPDATE: United Conservative Party (UCP) members are gearing up for a pivotal annual meeting in Edmonton later this month, demanding significant changes from Premier Danielle Smith. The grassroots activists are pushing for new restrictions in areas like pride flags, fluoride in water, abortion funding, and auto insurance reforms, with the urgency for action palpable among party members.

The UCP has a history of implementing member-driven policies. Smith’s government has previously acted on concerns from the base, banning vote-counting machines and enforcing parental consent for students changing their pronouns. Now, activists want to push the government further than ever before.

One of the most contentious resolutions calls for banning the flying of rainbow or transgender pride flags at government buildings, schools, and universities. This move has the potential to ignite heated debates within the party and beyond as Alberta has historically supported pride events.

In addition, UCP members are advocating to stop municipalities from adding fluoride to water systems. They are also proposing restrictions on abortion funding, insisting that late-pregnancy abortions only be publicly funded in cases of “serious risk” to a mother’s health.

Another critical resolution targets COVID vaccines, urging the government to heed the recommendations of a provincial review that has largely been ignored. Activists want to pause the use of mRNA vaccines and enhance public education about potential risks.

Karamveer Lalh, an Edmonton injury lawyer, has proposed a resolution that directly contradicts one of Smith’s own policies regarding auto insurance. The government plans to introduce a “no-fault” system for accident claims starting in 2027, but Lalh’s resolution seeks to repeal this legislation, framing it as an issue of access to justice. He stated, “The concept of no-fault, meaning you don’t have to take responsibility for your own actions, is something that is generally offensive to probably a bulk of party activists.”

The proposal has gained significant traction, being prioritized as the first resolution to be debated at the convention. Lalh hopes overwhelming support will prompt the government to rethink its policy.

The stakes are high as Smith aims to demonstrate responsiveness to the grassroots following a tumultuous leadership transition. Her predecessor, Jason Kenney, faced backlash for ignoring party resolutions, ultimately leading to his ousting. Since taking office, Smith has made a concerted effort to align her policies with UCP members’ demands.

While delegates typically support resolutions, there are indications that some issues remain unresolved. For instance, the UCP has yet to act on calls to stop designating carbon dioxide as a pollutant, and several resolutions have been marked as “in progress.”

As the convention approaches, Smith will hold an accountability session to review the resolutions passed in 2024. This will be a critical moment for her to showcase her commitment to the party’s base and respond to their escalating demands.

Activists are not only focused on controversial topics like pride flags and abortion; they are also pressing for full disclosure to parents regarding students’ extracurricular groups. This echoes past attempts to limit participation in LGBTQ+ organizations and could signal a shift towards more conservative policies in schools.

The upcoming UCP convention will be a defining moment for Smith, who currently enjoys strong support from her party. With momentum building among activists, she faces the challenge of balancing her government’s policies with the increasingly bold demands of her base.

As tensions rise within the party and expectations grow, all eyes will be on Edmonton to see how Smith navigates this crucial intersection of politics and grassroots activism. The decisions made at this convention could have far-reaching implications for Alberta’s political landscape and the UCP’s future direction.