Alberta Separatist Leader Jeff Rath Expelled from United Conservative Party

: The United Conservative Party (UCP) of Canada's Alberta province has revoked the basic membership of Jeff Rath, who was associated with the separatist movement, following allegations that he repeatedly violated party rules and engaged in activities against the organisation.
 

Alberta Premier and UCP president Daniel Smith said Rath had been warned several times but continued to breach party regulations and played a significant role in creating unrest among people.
 

The action comes days after a public opinion exercise in Alberta sought to gauge whether residents wanted a vote on the province's future relationship with Canada, including the possibility of separation. According to the report, 72 per cent of respondents rejected separation, while 26 per cent supported the separatist position led by Rath.
 

Addressing journalists, Smith said Rath had consistently opposed him and had also attempted to create obstacles during his campaign for the party leadership.
 

Smith further alleged that Rath had repeatedly worked towards turning the UCP into an independent party and had been at the forefront of efforts to divide the organisation. He said the decision to remove him was taken after evidence of his activities against the party had been collected.
 

UCP director Dustin Van Vugt confirmed that Rath had been informed of the decision through an email.