Premier Smith makes case for Canada to sold

Premier Smith makes case for Canada to sold-out crowd of UCP supporters

Leader's dinner held in Calgary Friday night was largest in party's history

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith spoke to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,000 United Conservative Party (UCP) supporters Friday night, where she made her pitch on why Alberta should remain in Canada.

"I still believe Canada can work. I believe it's working better every day, and it can work even better in the future if we keep fighting together for it," Smith said.

Organizers say the event at the BMO Centre in Calgary was the largest UCP leader's dinner in the party's history.

Smith spoke for about 25 minutes, touting her government's achievements and touching on the party's priorities.

But she said she knew the issue top of mind for many in the audience was the upcoming Oct. 19 referendum. Albertans will have their say on 10 questions, including whether Alberta should remain in Canada, or if the government should start the legal process of holding a binding referendum on separation.

Smith highlighted the memorandum of understanding with the federal government to build a new pipeline to the B.C. coast, telling the crowd it has already attracted billions in new investment dollars when it comes to energy projects.

"Now I know, some of you get a bit queasy when I start complimenting the efforts of a Liberal prime minister," Smith said with a laugh.

She told the crowd that she believes now is not the time to walk away from opportunities for the province, just as progress is being made.

"That is why I'm asking everyone here tonight to vote to remain, and then vote yes to the other nine referendum questions on the October 19th ballot," Smith said.

The other nine referendum questions include several on immigration, including if Alberta should take more control of the process, as well as constitutional questions, like if Alberta should work with other provinces to abolish the Senate.

Smith said a "yes" vote on those questions is the best way Albertans can express their frustrations to Ottawa. And she said while she recognizes those long-simmering gripes with the federal government, that fellow Canadians are the province's neighbours and family.

"We all know our family has a few bad habits to break from the past decade, and we are working on them, and we'll get there," she said.

Consistent polls have shown support for separation hovering around a third of voters. Earlier this year, a Janet Brown Opinion Research survey for CBC News suggested 57 per cent of UCP supporters are in favour of separation.

A former communications director for the UCP said Smith's speech struck a balance between addressing those in her party who want to remain, and others who would vote to leave.

"The premier's really locked down her message for what the October referendum vote should look like, and what she'll be campaigning on," said Evan Menzies, who is now vice-president at Crestview Strategy.

A number of UCP MLAs were also in attendance, as was Kerry-Lynne Findlay, the new leader of the B.C. Conservatives.

Jennifer is a reporter with CBC Calgary. Previously, she worked for CTV News in Toronto. You can reach her at jennifer.keiller@cbc.ca

With files from Karina Zapata and Nick Brizuela