Alberta UCP caucus questioned over signing of separation petition, former premier says

Former premier Jason Kenney said UCP caucus members 'have no business' signing a petition to force a vote on Alberta leaving Canada; petition organizers say some caucus members have signed but privacy rules have kept names confidential and the caucus says it is not aware of any signatories.

Former premier Jason Kenney said members of the United Conservative Party caucus "have no business" signing a petition to force a vote on Alberta leaving Canada. His remarks followed a claim from a petition campaign leader that some UCP caucus members had signed the petition. The petition group said provincial privacy rules prevent it from disclosing names. Premier Danielle Smith has said MLAs may sign petitions and that she does not police their responses, while the caucus issued a statement saying MLAs are free to express personal views and that it is not aware of any MLAs signing. What is known: - Jason Kenney said UCP caucus members should not sign a petition to force a separation vote. - The petition campaign's lawyer reported that some caucus members had signed but said privacy rules prevent releasing names. - Premier Danielle Smith said MLAs can sign petitions and that she does not police their responses; the caucus said it is not aware of any signatories. - Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi criticized the premier and said any MLAs who signed should identify themselves. Summary: The exchange has raised public questions about whether members of the UCP caucus signed the petition and produced differing responses from Kenney, Smith and other political figures. Undetermined at this time.