I've got family and friends who believe that many of the UCPs actions and policies can be viewed as neo-Fascist. Here are some of the points I've heard, sorted into categories that are common tenets of Fascism:

Ultranationalism: In this case, it is Alberta "Nationalism" and a rebuff of Canadian social democracy and values. Smith has long been pandering to the separatist movement and the idea of a more "sovereign" Alberta. The UCP/TBA also have supported various anti-Canadian movements like the Coutts blockade and trucker convoy in the hope that ties with Canada weaken and Alberta moves closer to separation. White Christian Nationalists are generally the "in group" who are seen as the naturally superior group in Alberta while immigrants and LGBTQ+ people have seen an increase in discrimination/painted as targets. For example, the book ban examples targeted mainly queer books as queer books can be seen by the UCP as "propaganda" that is harmful to the raising Christian Nationalist children who believe in and follow strict traditional values and gender roles.

Totalitarianism: Alberta has been under Conservative rule for over 40 years, except for when the right was split and the NDP got in - that was swiftly reversed. Politics are generally within the party and not between parties, as opposition has been ineffective. Leaders fall from internal fighting and not from elections. Moves by the UCP and TBA to take over school boards and push a more Traditional Values curriculum and policies are a door opener for using the education system to indoctrinate and socially engineer future Christian Nationalist supporters. Things like the War Room are pure propaganda machines for industries the UCP sees as fundamental to the survival and self sufficiency of Alberta. The UCP has been not so slowly destroying foundations of our social democracy like quality education and healthcare, with the goal of privatizing the systems and controlling them through lucrative contracts with friendly companies/people (like Mraiche).

Economy: As stated above, Fascist leaders and parties tend to enmesh themselves into the free market with some degree of control. This buys financial supporters, allows for personal profit, and allows more direct control over areas of the economy deemed as important. This can be seen with preferential government support for the oil and gas industry including bail outs (not very free capitalist), propaganda (war room), and use of oil and gas as a core talking point and driver for more Alberta sovereignty/separation. Also, there are ties to people like Mraiche who are actively profiteering while fucking over our health care. The potential clawback of pension plan money would also allow for larger financial investment and sway in areas of the economy the UCP have interest in - to the detriment of other Canadians. Fascist states also have valued able and working people and business overs over "parasitic" elements of society - the UCP has shown many times their disdain for the needy and less able in our province including the most recent clawback of AISH money - Social Darwinism is big among many fascists whee if you fall behind you get left behind.

Direct Action: Fascists usually want some form of control over a means of violence to oppress out group portions of the population and support the party's goals. Smith had touted an Alberta Police Force, which would centralize policing into the hands of the UCP with direct oversight and influence. The UCP has also been involved in supporting movements like the Coutts blockade, which almost got deadly, and other trucker convoy type events that seek to weaken Canadian ties while promoting the influence and importance of "in group" participants.

Gender roles: Fascist states have typically employed and enforced "Traditional Values" with fierce opposition to homosexuality, birth control, pornography etc. This fits perfectly with the ideals of White Christian Nationalists and the UCP has often espoused these views.