Former Alberta cabinet minister Guthrie says Premier Smith can’t survive UCP crisis after referendum

A former Alberta cabinet minister says Premier Danielle Smith won’t survive the crisis in her United Conservative Party amid fallout from the separation referendum.

Peter Guthrie, who was removed from the UCP caucus after criticizing the government over a health-care procurement scandal, now leads the upstart Progressive Tory Party of Alberta.

He says Monday’s referendum angered both federalists and separatists and leaves Smith with more enemies than supporters.

About 75 per cent of voters cast ballots to keep Alberta in Canada and not to have a second, binding referendum on leaving the country.

Smith’s office says Guthrie is out of touch with Albertans and peddling misinformation.

Former Alberta cabinet minister Guthrie says Premier Smith can’t survive UCP crisis after referendum

A former Alberta cabinet minister says Premier Danielle Smith won’t survive the crisis in her United Conservative Party amid fallout from the separation referendum. Peter Guthrie, who was removed from…

October 22, 2026 1:07 pm MST MST

‘Just hasn’t been possible’: Alberta referendum count not complete, results delayed

The 48-hour deadline has come and gone, and ballots cast in Alberta’s referendum are still being counted. As of 9:30 a.m. Thursday, 97 per cent of all ballots cast in Monday’s referendum had been…

October 22, 2026 9:48 am MST MST

Referendum ballot count continues for Elections Alberta as 48-hour deadline approaches

The count continues for Elections Alberta, as it works to get the unofficial results done and reported to Albertans. Election officials are still confident it can be done in the 48 hours required. “The…

October 21, 2026 9:46 am MST MST

First Nations say Elections Alberta unprepared for referendum turnout

OTTAWA — First Nations in Alberta are celebrating the win for the pro-Canada side in Monday’s referendum — but they’re also raising concerns about a shortage of ballots in their communities.

October 21, 2026 9:56 am MST MST

On Wednesday, the premier said anyone running for or speaking for her UCP must accept its pro-Canada stance.

She said separatists intent on turning the party into a vehicle for independence should join a different party, warning internal division could cost the UCP next year’s election.

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