Despite their choice in name, Alberta’s Republican Party is not affiliated with its American namesake, according to party leader Cameron Davies and others.
The party changed its name on Feb. 10, 2025, ditching the old Buffalo Party label and reforming its ideological goals in the process.
The Buffalo Party “was focused on trying to get a better deal for Alberta within Canada,” said Davies.
As the name changed, the major goal of the party also shifted, and the Republican Party of Alberta began advocating “to see Alberta as an independent Alberta republic,” said Davies.
He said that he recommended the change in party direction.
“And the board took that recommendation,” he said.
Given the rocky state of relations between Canada and the U.S., the decision to invoke the name ‘Republican’—the current governing party south of the border—could come back to haunt Davies, who says that he has seen enthusiastic support for Alberta separation.
The number of separatism supporters has been rising in 2025, but still sits around the 30 per cent mark according to Janet Brown Opinion Research.
‘No connection’ say watchers
Opinion editor for Western Standard and former chief speechwriter for Stephen Harper, Nigel Hannaford, says it’s not important that the Alberta party chose to name themselves after the American governing party.
“They can call themselves whatever they want, can’t they?” Hannaford said.
He added that has not subscribed to any separatist movement, though he does sympathize with the cause.
He said he wants a serious dialogue about Alberta’s place in Confederation, but the demonization of the separatist movement’s supporters hurts honest discourse.
“It’s easier when you’re not calling each other names,” Hannaford said.
Take Back Alberta founder David Parker says the perceived connections are unfounded.
“Obviously it’s the Republic of Alberta, not connected to the American Republicans. It’s not a 51st state party,” Parker said.
Parker says he believes in Davies’ skills as a leader and trusts his judgment on strategies to grow the party base and achieve success in coming elections.
“He’s one of the best political organizers in the country,” he said, saying Davies is responsible for “45 MPs” and “dozens of MLAs” getting elected. “He’s a campaigner.”
Parker said the controversy can only be good for a new political party with little to no name recognition hoping to grow its base as quickly as possible.
Some onlookers say the perception of a perceived connection with the U.S. Republicans may still negatively impact the party’s reputation.
“I don’t like the association with the American Republicans, real or perceived,” said Paul Neumann, who calls himself a “reluctant separatist.”
Stephen Carter, president of Decide Campaigns and co-host of The Strategists podcast, is baffled by the decision to change the party name.
“It does not make sense to me at all,” he said. “Most Albertans don’t identify as Republican. They don’t identify with the Republican Party of the United States, let alone a Republican [Party] in Alberta.”
Carter said the association, while providing a boost in the short term, will hurt them in the long run because “the brand recognition will be negative.”
The party has called for a non-binding referendum on joining the United States.
“This just feels like it’s a 51st state discussion instead of a discussion about what is [in] the best interest of Albertans,” said Carter.
Davies, though, says that he is sure the name won’t hurt them. He argues that calling themselves Republicans makes sense for a party that seeks to build an independent republic.
“If you’re advocating for a republic style of government, by definition that makes you Republican.”
