Gat K. Bichiok

Statement on UCP, Separation, and the Pipeline MOU The final days of the legislative session reinforced what is becoming a defining concern with this UCP government: instability, poor planning, and reckless decision-making. Albertans watched serious questions emerge surrounding the unauthorized disclosure of voter information tied to nearly 3 million people. Elections Alberta raised concerns, those warnings were ignored, legislation was changed anyway, and now the RCMP are once again involved. At the same time, the courts pushed the independence petition process back to the government because of legislation created by the UCP. The petition was not exactly struck down - cabinet now owns the decision. For years, separatist sentiment has existed within parts of the UCP’s base and administrative structure . Under Trudeau, frustration with Ottawa intensified across Western Canada and the UCP chose to weaponize that anger politically. The Premier publicly committed Alberta toward a referendum believing separatist sentiment would continue growing. But Albertans drew a clear distinction between frustration with Ottawa - and leaving Canada. The Forever Canadian campaign confirmed what most Albertans already felt: Albertans want a fair deal within Canada - not separation. Now the UCP finds itself delivering one message publicly while saying something different privately to factions within its own movement - creating instability that is now spilling directly into economic policy. I support pipelines, Alberta’s responsible resource sector, and getting our products to market. But this MOU is not the victory the UCP is selling Albertans. No private company is willing to build this pipeline without massive taxpayer guarantees and protection from cost overruns. Trans Mountain was already more than 600% over budget, and this proposal could cost tens of billions while Albertans are struggling with affordability, housing pressures, and rising electricity costs. At the same time, the Pathways Alliance is stepping back from the commitments this agreement was built on, while Alberta taxpayers increasingly appear positioned to carry the financial risk. Albertans deserve stability, competence, and serious leadership focused on affordability, infrastructure, and long-term economic growth - not populist gamesmanship. The Tory Party supports responsible development, fiscal discipline, meaningful consultation, and a strong Alberta within Canada. That means no blank cheques for private industry, no governing through instability and no sacrificing long-term economic confidence for short-term political survival. #publictrust #UnitedCanada #pipelines #ableg #abpoli #albertatory #abtory