Members of Alberta's United Conservative Party (UCP) are advocating for a comprehensive analysis of the potential benefits and drawbacks of the province pursuing independence. This request is part of a draft of policy proposals set to be discussed at the party's annual general meeting, which begins on November 28. The draft reveals a broad array of policy ideas reflecting the diverse priorities of the party's membership.

Political scientist Duane Bratt from the University of Calgary noted that Premier Danielle Smith is closely aligned with the concerns of the party base. The draft includes three proposals related to separatism, coinciding with a resurgence of Alberta's independence sentiment. Recently, thousands rallied at the Alberta legislature in support of independence, and there are competing efforts to place a secession referendum on the ballot.

One proposal seeks to ensure that any secession referendum is presented independently, without other referendums on the ballot. Another suggests creating a "Canada 2.0," which would involve establishing an Alberta Constitution to assert the province's sovereignty and negotiate a new federation. The third proposal calls for a detailed explanation of the benefits and consequences of secession, emphasizing the need for factual information to educate the public.

The draft also includes a variety of other resolutions. One proposal advocates for teaching cursive writing in schools to help students connect with their heritage. Another suggests renaming Calgary International Airport to honor former Premier Ralph Klein, following a previous unsuccessful attempt to name it after former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Some proposals are more localized, such as allowing five-year vehicle registrations and permitting single-egress stairs in apartment buildings to enhance construction affordability. Other proposals align with traditional conservative values, including advocating for publicly funded but privately delivered medical services, reinstating a 10% income tax rate as the highest bracket, and promoting economic diversification.

Tensions within the party are evident, particularly between grassroots members and those with broader appeal. For instance, member Dione Martin has proposed a moratorium on mRNA vaccine administration, reflecting ongoing debates about COVID-19 vaccinations. Additionally, there are calls for a strategic Bitcoin reserve and increased transparency from the federal government regarding weather modification programs.

Five constituency associations are pushing to end water fluoridation, arguing it constitutes medical treatment without informed consent. The Grande Prairie constituency association is advocating for research into the health impacts of electromagnetic frequency-emitting devices, such as telecommunications towers.

Some proposals aim to resonate with a wider audience, such as ensuring university instructors do not impose personal beliefs in classrooms and restricting the display of personal pronouns in official communications to avoid perceived bias on gender identity issues.

Long-standing proposals include establishing an Alberta pension plan and a provincial police force. A resolution from Calgary-Buffalo calls for temporary residents and unsuccessful asylum seekers to pay for their healthcare in Alberta. The Alberta Next panel has also considered withholding social programs from newcomers if their numbers do not align with provincial preferences.

In a nod to efficiency, two constituency associations are advocating for an Independent Reform Commission to streamline government operations and reduce wasteful spending. Some proposals, while imaginative, may be less feasible, such as exploring a merger with the Yukon and Northwest Territories to gain access to tidewater for trade.

Other proposals, like a ban on abortion and the use of clean coal for electricity, are unlikely to gain traction. The idea of establishing a provincial senate with part-time elected members is also met with skepticism, as many conservative Albertans may not see the addition of more politicians as a solution to existing issues.

Ultimately, only a fraction of the proposals will be debated and potentially adopted at the meeting. In previous years, the party has passed resolutions emphasizing the importance of carbon dioxide and making membership in the Alberta Teachers' Association optional. Smith described the party as a "raucous family" with a history of robust discussions.