UCP delegates prep for key policy votes as UCP AGM opens in Edmonton

The blizzard and thick snow on the roads did not stop hundreds from filling the Edmonton Expo Centre on Friday for the 2025 Alberta UCP Annual General Meeting.

The blizzard and thick snow on the roads did not stop hundreds from filling the Edmonton Expo Centre on Friday for the 2025 Alberta UCP Annual General Meeting, with thousands more expected to flood the halls over the weekend.

Despite Alberta Premier Danielle Smith delivering an update alongside UCP President Rob Smith and fielding early questions from the crowd, much of the anticipation is surrounding the schedule set to unfold on Saturday, including the premier’s keynote address.

The loudest applause for Smith on Friday afternoon came during questions about separation, particularly when the Alberta Prosperity Project was mentioned.

Saturday will also feature policy debates and voting, along with a board election.

While separation is not on the docket, separatist groups have been advocating for specific board candidates, urging separation supporters to vote for those who align with their values.

Despite boos being heard when Smith advocated for a sovereign Alberta within Canada, she was generally met with applause from attendees.

Friday night will feature a “bearpit” with UCP MLAs, where they will field questions from an open microphone, along with governance debate and voting.

While both the governance and policy motions to be voted on are non-binding, the premier and party annually review motions passed the prior year, as they aim to let the motions guide the party’s future.

This year, 20 governance resolutions and 36 policy resolutions will be voted on.

Governance Resolution #1 calls on permanent residents to be removed as eligible to be party association members who can vote on party matters, limiting membership to only Canadian citizens.

“Requiring Members to be Canadian citizens closes a loophole by which foreign states or non-residents could indirectly steer party platforms or nomination races through donations or membership votes,” reads the resolution. “Should this resolution be approved, Permanent Residents who are currently Members would maintain their membership until their expiration date.”

Some policy resolutions include repealing no-fault insurance, allowing only official government flags to be flown on government buildings, and prohibiting temporary reisndets, visitors, undocumented individuals, and unsuccessful asylum-seekers from accessing provincially-funded healthcare.

Other policies include increasing Alberta’s control over immigration, citizen’s property rights—including the right to defend property (castle law)—and opposing federal overreach.

While only a few hundred gathered in the main hall for most of Friday’s events, the Expo Centre contained a variety of different activities.

Some included booths for candidates and companies that attendees could explore, a merch table for the party, and a cafeteria with a variety of ethnic food groups.

The AGM also takes place on Sunday, with a religious service and campaign training scheduled for the morning.