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Alberta Referendum Who’s Who: The Major Players and How They’re Connected

Keeping track of those angling for separation—and the groups pushing back

Jason Kenney, former UCP leader and Alberta premier

Kenney tried to keep the separatist movement “appeased” but resigned in 2022 after a contentious United Conservative Party (UCP) leadership review and pushback from Take Back Alberta.

Premier Danielle Smith

Smith replaced Kenney as UCP leader in 2022. In spring 2025, her government made it easier to call a referendum via changes to Kenney’s Citizens Initiative Act.

Cameron Davies, leader of the Republican Party of Alberta

The Republican Party of Alberta is a registered party in the province. Davies and his party were embroiled in a data breach when the Centurion Project, a pro-sovereignty group, published a list of voter information that was provided to the RPA by Elections Alberta. He reportedly visited Washington and Mar-a-Lago in US president Donald Trump’s second term in office.

Operatives and Organizers

David Parker, founder of Take Back Alberta and the Centurion Project

Parker’s grassroots political group, Take Back Alberta, was instrumental in organizing votes against Kenney and moving the party further right. Parker also started the Centurion Project and has connections to Danielle Smith (she attended his 2023 wedding).

Jeffrey Rath, a lawyer for the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) and Stay Free Alberta

Rath has been a part of Stay Free Alberta’s efforts to sponsor a petition for a separatist referendum. He also implied that the APP, also involved in the separatist movement, has met with members of the Trump administration.

Can Alberta Still Separate? Experts Clash over the Landmark Court........

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