A routine policy Q&A at a United Conservative Party event briefly transformed into an impromptu sovereignty pep rally Monday, after Alberta Prosperity Project firebrand Jeffrey Rath seized a microphone and asked not about vaccines, auto insurance, or policing, but the crowd’s feelings.
“How many of all of us favour a free and independent Alberta?” Rath bellowed, as though auditioning for the world’s angriest musical. The room erupted into cheers, stomps, and at least one ecstatic yee-haw.
Premier Danielle Smith, whose role was allegedly “moderator” rather than “camp counsellor breaking up a food fight,” stepped in to cool things down. “I support an independent Alberta within a united Canada,” she offered, promptly earning boos, groans, and one highly theatrical sigh.
Afterward, Rath told CityNews he objects to the memorandum of understanding Smith signed with the prime minister, suggesting Alberta’s true destiny lies somewhere between bold constitutional experimentation and a very enthusiastic Facebook group.
