Finally, Premier Danielle Smith says separatists are no longer welcome in UCP positions, in her government or her caucus.

Anybody who “speaks for the party” in any way must openly accept the big federalist victory in the referendum, she told reporters Wednesday.

Braid: Smith takes her stand, bans separatists from all party, government roles Back to video

This is the moment many federalist UCP members have been waiting for.

Now we’ll find out if separatists embedded in the UCP fall in line or fight back, sending the party into open warfare.

We’ll learn if the bluster of separatist leaders who promise to kick her out is simply hot air.

Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features.

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This confrontation had to come. Stretched into an election year, the tension could blow the UCP apart at a crucial moment.

Now, Smith has the 75 per cent federalist victory to wave at the party. It’s her moment of maximum leverage.

As party leader and premier, Smith also has raw power she’s used sparingly until now.

She has ultimate authority to decide on candidates, party board........

© Calgary Herald