Alberta separatist Jeff Rath kicked out of governing United Conservative Party

The Alberta United Conservative Party has revoked the membership of prominent separatist leader Jeffrey Rath. He has helped spearhead the group Alberta Prosperity Project leading up to the October referendum. In an email sent to Rath, which was viewed by CBC, the party's executive director says Rath's public conduct in relation to the party and leader has not met the basic standard of decency expected of members when they disagree or otherwise. It's literally a fight for the soul of the party, and the first shots of the battle were pulling my membership because they don't want me speaking in any way whatsoever at the AGM. Ahead of the party's AGM, GM, at the end of November, any aspiring board members are required to sign a declaration that they'll abide by the results of the referendum. Rath is the first known separatist to be asked to leave. Oh, you know, Jeff Rath, the separatist boogeyman, we need to purge him from the party. You know, as a lesson to every other separatist within the party that we're not, you're not welcome. Premier Danielle Smith confirmed Rath's removal and says their relationship is irrelevant in this decision. He never supported me in my time in office and he certainly doesn't support me now. And that's irrelevant. What is relevant is that he has said publicly things like he wants to come to the AGM to turn the UCP into an independence party. And we are not an independence party. One political science professor believes this move sends a direct message to any separatists in the party or those wanting to join. An example had to be made, and Jeff Rath was an obvious choice. He has loudly and publicly and repeatedly criticized Daniel Smith. They've got to make an example of Jeff Rath, but they also don't want to provoke anger from some of his supporters or the folks. Who frankly do support independence. Williams says Rath has a lot of support within the party and she doesn't expect he will stay quiet. The question now becomes, can he successfully challenge this decision? He's vowed to do so. Rath says he has asked the party for details of revoking his membership and will likely appeal the decision. Nicole Healy, CBC News, Edmonton.