CALGARY -- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says if members of her United Conservative Party can't get behind a pro-Canada position they should hand in their memberships.
In a social media video, Smith says her party can't afford to be split over the issue and risk losing next year's provincial election to the NDP.
Her comment comes after Albertans voted in Monday's referendum not to hold a second, binding referendum on separation.
The premier says she knows many UCP members voted against Confederation and she doesn't hold any ill will towards them.
But she says separatists need to understand that Albertans have given her government a clear mandate that quitting Canada isn't an option.
UCP legislature member Jason Stephan, who had pleaded with Albertans to vote for a binding referendum, announced Monday he won't seek re-election.
More coming.