Plans to discuss a vote, which could turn the UCP into a separatist party, are afoot at the top levels of the organization.

Premier Danielle Smith has remained steadfast in saying she supports a “sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.”

But UCP president Rob Smith (no relation to the premier) is already indicating a pro-separatist vote in a potential provincial referendum — “50 per cent plus one” — would trigger a move.

Rob Smith outlined the plan in a recorded video interview at the time of the party convention last November.

The president’s high status in the party — he was re-elected in November — shows this is not just idle talk.

Rob Smith also made it clear that others on the United Conservative elected board are active separatists.

A move to formal separatism would be a massive reversal for the party, which was enshrined as federalist in 2017.

Rob Smith joined a video conversation with two others on Freedomcalendar.net, an organization that backs independence on many fronts.

He said that even if a pro-independence vote is only 50 plus one, “I will convene the provincial board of directors to say we need to have a special general meeting, and we need to have a discussion about a........

© Calgary Herald