Alberta UCP faces resistance over pledge to accept referendum result

Alberta’s United Conservative Party is asking all 87 riding presidents to accept the referendum result in a new pledge.

The vote took place in October, and three-quarters of Albertans chose to keep the province in Canada rather than pursue independence.

Premier Danielle Smith has urged party members to accept the outcome and move on, or leave the party.

Some riding presidents say the pledge could stifle debate and limit their free speech.

The resistance includes presidents on both sides of the independence question, and at least 15 are preparing a letter refusing to sign.

The party asked presidents to return the pledge by Friday, but the account does not say whether it will change the requirement.