A member of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a pro-separation group, 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 “Stay Free Alberta” citizen initiative petition, featured the Black Hat Gang from Medicine Hat, who played a role in developing the constitution. Ian Parkinson, one of the gang members, was introduced as a co-author of the draft constitution named the “Foundation of Freedom,” which was showcased in Airdrie and streamed online.
During his speech, Parkinson made a derogatory comment that sparked applause from the audience, targeting individuals of Sikh, Muslim, or Arab descent. In response, Mitch Sylvestre, the leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, swiftly accepted Parkinson’s resignation and stated that he would no longer have any involvement in the group’s events or initiatives.
The controversial remarks by Parkinson received widespread criticism, with even separatist leaders condemning the behavior as detrimental to their cause. Keith Wilson, co-leader of the pro-independence group Let Alberta Decide, expressed disappointment in Parkinson’s comments, emphasizing that they do not align with the values of most Albertans seeking independence.
The draft constitution proposed by the Alberta Prosperity Project, known as the “Foundation of Freedom,” has also faced backlash for its unconventional proposals, such as introducing a new government branch called the “oversight branch” and electing judges in a sovereign Alberta.
Despite the internal disagreements within the separatist movement regarding the constitution, Sylvestre highlighted that the draft serves as a starting point for discussions and would be subject to further debate in a constitutional conference if a binding referendum on separation were to take place.
The lack of consensus among separatists has raised concerns about the unity of the independence movement, especially with the upcoming referendum on October 19. Jared Wesley, a political science professor at the University of Alberta, emphasized the need for a clear plan from separatists if Alberta were to leave Canada, highlighting the ongoing divisions within the movement.