Overview
- Speaking in Calgary, Danielle Smith said she has not signed any petitions and framed such drives as a citizen process.
- The United Conservative government removed procedural obstacles that would have impeded the separation petition.
- Ministers Demetrios Nicolaides, Grant Hunter (via his office), Andrew Boitchenko and Jason Nixon have each said they did not sign.
- Separatist organizers claim unnamed UCP caucus signatories, a claim Smith disputes as CBC inquiries to more than 20 backbenchers went unanswered and the caucus said it was unaware of any MLAs signing.
- Smith has emphasized support for direct democracy and a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, as polling suggests about two-thirds of Albertans would vote to stay.