A member of the well-known Alberta Prosperity Project, a pro-separation organization, has stepped down following the use of a racial slur during an event where the group unveiled a preliminary constitution for an independent Alberta.
The gathering, organized by the group responsible for the “Stay Free Alberta” citizen initiative petition, featured involvement from the Black Hat Gang, a group from Medicine Hat acknowledged for their contributions to the plan and presentation of the document.
Ian Parkinson, a member of the Black Hat Gang, was introduced as a co-author of the draft constitution named the “Foundation of Freedom,” which was showcased in Airdrie and broadcasted online. Parkinson’s derogatory comment, directed at Sikh, Muslim, or Arab individuals in relation to cultural or religious headwear, was met with applause from the audience.
Following the incident, Mitch Sylvestre, the leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, announced the acceptance of Parkinson’s resignation from the group, effective immediately. Parkinson is prohibited from participating in, speaking at, or representing the organization’s events or initiatives.
The Alberta Prosperity Project, dissociating itself from Parkinson’s remarks, emphasized its opposition to such comments and expressed disappointment that they were made during an event hosted by the group. Parkinson was confirmed not to hold any official position within the Alberta Prosperity Project.
Criticism of Parkinson’s comment extended beyond the separatist circle, with Keith Wilson, co-leader of the pro-independence group Let Alberta Decide, condemning the remark as inappropriate and not reflective of the values of Albertans supporting independence.
The draft constitution proposed by the Alberta Prosperity Project, known as the “Foundation of Freedom,” received pushback from other factions within the separatist movement for introducing unconventional ideas, including the creation of an oversight branch in the government, elimination of property taxes, and the election of judges in an independent Alberta.
The document, not publicly accessible online at the time of reporting, led to discord among separatist leaders, with diverging opinions on its content and readiness for adoption. While discussions around a future constitution for Alberta continue, a lack of consensus among separatist groups remains evident.
The event, promoted by FreedomCalendar.net, highlighted the need for broader discussion on the proposed constitution as a preliminary step toward shaping Alberta’s future governance structure.
As the referendum approaches, political analysts like Jared Wesley from the University of Alberta observe that the separatist movement lacks a cohesive plan for Alberta’s potential departure from Canada, indicating ongoing fragmentation within the movement. Alberta residents are set to vote on the matter on October 19.