It was a bit of a surprise to learn Premier Danielle Smith had to tell the head of her own political organization who’s actually in charge.

In case there was any doubt: she is.

This came after United Conservative Party president Rob Smith told media the party would not take a position on the looming referendum on the issue of Alberta separation.

But in her own radio interview later, the premier finally put her foot down.

“Let me be clear, because I do speak for our government, our caucus and our party,” she said on CHQR Calgary and CHED Edmonton. “Our party had as its founding principles that we support autonomy for Alberta within a united Canada. Every one of my MLAs got elected on that.”

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While this spark of assertiveness is welcome, it was simply an inevitable side-effect of the UCP scoring a series of own-goals for years.

The old Progressive Conservatives stayed in power because........

© Calgary Herald