A member of the prominent pro-separation group, the Alberta Prosperity Project, has stepped down after using a racial slur during an event where the group unveiled a draft constitution for an independent Alberta. The event, organized by the group behind the “Stay Free Alberta” citizen initiative petition, featured members of the Black Hat Gang from Medicine Hat, who contributed to the plan and presented the document.
Ian Parkinson, a co-writer of the draft constitution named the “Foundation of Freedom,” made the derogatory remark at the event in Airdrie, which was also livestreamed online. Following the incident, Mitch Sylvestre, the leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, confirmed Parkinson’s immediate resignation from the group and stated that Parkinson will no longer be involved in the group’s activities or events.
The Alberta Prosperity Project denounced Parkinson’s comments, emphasizing that they do not support or tolerate such behavior. The group clarified that Parkinson was not a board member or officer of their organization. The derogatory comment sparked widespread criticism, even from within the separatist community, with Keith Wilson of Let Alberta Decide expressing disappointment in the divisive nature of Parkinson’s remarks.
The draft constitution, known as the “Foundation of Freedom,” proposed by the Alberta Prosperity Project, has faced backlash from various groups within the separatist movement. The document includes controversial proposals such as the creation of a new government branch called the “oversight branch,” the elimination of property taxes, and the election of judges in a sovereign Alberta.
Despite the controversies surrounding the draft constitution, Sylvestre highlighted that the document is open for discussion and is not final. He mentioned the possibility of holding a constitutional conference in the future if a binding referendum on separation is successful. However, the lack of consensus among separatist groups indicates ongoing internal divisions within the movement.
Political science professor Jared Wesley pointed out that the lack of unity within the independence movement raises questions about the practicality and feasibility of Alberta’s separation from Canada. As the referendum approaches on October 19, Albertans are facing uncertainties about the separatist movement’s cohesive strategy for independence.