Premier Danielle Smith was in Okotoks on Wednesday (July 2) for a public town hall event.
Hundreds attended the event at the Viking Rentals Centre, with the line for entry stretching around the corner of the building.
Many attendees held signs critical of the UCP, including messages like "Hands off our CPP" and "Save Grassy Mountain." Supporters of Smith held signs reading "I stand with Danielle," which were distributed inside the venue.
Critics and supporters of the UCP were vocal during the Q&A, with boos and laughter heard from both camps as different topics were raised.
Many in attendance were vocal, occasionally shouting or reacting loudly to statements made on stage, though a majority of the outbursts were from anti-UCP attendees.
Smith was joined by Highwood MLA and Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, and the two fielded questions from attendees.
Before opening the floor for questions, Smith delivered an opening statement in which she emphasized her desire for greater sovereignty for Alberta "within a united Canada," alluding to renewed speculation around Alberta separatism.
The topic resurfaced during the Q&A when one attendee voiced support for Alberta separating from Canada. Smith again stressed her preference for provincial sovereignty within the country.
"It is part of the consultation that we're doing. I'm asking whether it's time for us to open the constitution and address some of the authority issues where we've had an imbalance," she said.
Sigurdson echoed the sentiment: "We want to be part of Canada."
Smith made several references to the recently announced Alberta Next panel, which, according to its website, aims to "protect our province from Ottawa's continued attacks on Alberta’s economic wellbeing."
One attendee criticized the panel’s online component, saying the survey questions are skewed to support the UCP's agenda.
Smith responded by saying the panel reflects concerns Albertans have raised in the past.
"I've heard from Albertans that they want us to look at taking more control over immigration, like Quebec. I've heard from Albertans that they might want to open the constitution to address the unfairness in how seats are set up," she said. "I've heard from Albertans, especially from the Fair Deal panel, some of the issues that came up years ago: pension plan, collecting our own taxes, as well as provincial police... There will be other things that come up. We're having 10 different sessions; you're welcome to come to one of them."
Other questions focused on gender-affirming care, Alberta's wild horse population, healthcare, and agriculture.
Coal emerged as the most prominent theme of the evening.
Of the 23 questions asked, nine concerned coal mining and fears over selenium leaching and its impact on the environment.
Smith referenced the 1976 coal policy, stating the provincial government is ensuring that any approved projects are located on Category 4 lands, as outlined in the policy.
In response to another coal-related question, Smith said mining remains crucial to the development of new and alternative energy technologies.
"Any type of mining does have a potential impact on the environment, it's true. But we also know that we can't have a new economy of new energy without batteries and the minerals and elements that go into that as well," she said. "We have to figure out a way to do mining that minimizes the effect on the environment. That's why we have banned mountaintop removal and strip mining. The reason for that is because when you remove that overburden and then it gets weathered, that's what causes the selenium leaching."
Several more town halls are planned across Alberta as part of the Alberta Next panel.
As of yet, no events have been announced for the Foothills County area.