Community Eyes UCP AGM for Protest Amid Legal Boundaries
UCP AGM Sparks Protest Discussions
As the United Conservative Party's (UCP) Annual General Meeting approaches, set for November 28-30, 2025, in Edmonton, community sentiment suggests a growing interest in organizing protest actions. Many residents express frustration, viewing the AGM as a prime opportunity for visible public dissent. Initial discussions explore staging demonstrations just outside the Edmonton Expo Centre's parking lot, acknowledging concerns about trespassing on the private venue grounds.
Navigating Protest Legality at Expo Centre
The 2025 UCP AGM, anticipated to draw approximately 4,000 members to the Edmonton Expo Centre, will feature debates on key policies like healthcare, flags representing ‘special interest groups,’ and an Alberta Pension Plan. Premier Danielle Smith is slated to deliver a keynote on November 29. While peaceful assembly is a fundamental right, protesting directly on Expo Centre property could constitute trespassing. Organizers must consider Edmonton's Public Spaces Bylaw, which requires permits for gatherings of 100 or more on city-owned land. Furthermore, Alberta's Critical Infrastructure Defence Act could apply to access routes, potentially impacting protest locations near the venue, necessitating careful planning for any public expression.
