CALGARY — Mike Derry's victory in the UCP nomination contest in Calgary-Shaw raises important questions about Danielle Smith’s control over her party and who Mike Derry represents.

Smith had a favourite candidate who lost to forces of the extremist far-right in her party. Derry is certainly an extremist and voters need to know if he’s a separatist.

Derry's campaign was managed by longtime activist of the far-right, Craig Chandler and received prominent public support from leaders in Alberta's separatist, anti-Canada movement. His campaign also highlighted the endorsement of Darrell Komick, who ran for UCP president as the party's pro-independence candidate.

If he chose to campaign alongside one of the leading advocates for Alberta separatism within today's UCP, Calgary-Shaw voters deserve to know whether he shares those views.

Is Danielle Smith welcoming yet another separatist into her caucus? Calgary-Shaw voters deserve to know. Is Mike Derry running to truly represent the people of Calgary-Shaw or is he is running to represent the views of extremists who hope to break up this country?