A key figure in the influential 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 affiliated with the “Stay Free Alberta” citizen initiative petition, showcased members of the Black Hat Gang from Medicine Hat, who played a role in developing the plan and presented the draft document. Ian Parkinson, one of the group members, was introduced as a co-author of the constitution named the “Foundation of Freedom,” which was unveiled in Airdrie and streamed live online.
During his speech, Parkinson made a derogatory statement that drew applause from the audience, prompting his resignation from the Alberta Prosperity Project as announced by Mitch Sylvestre, the group’s leader. Sylvestre emphasized the organization’s disapproval of Parkinson’s comments and expressed disappointment that such remarks were made under their platform.
The Black Hat Gang, Parkinson’s affiliation, engaged with senior government officials in proposing a new draft outlining Albertans’ rights in 2024. Notably, Parkinson did not hold a formal position within the Alberta Prosperity Project, confirmed by the group.
Criticism of Parkinson’s remarks extended to various separatist factions, including Keith Wilson of the Let Alberta Decide group, who condemned the racial comment for negatively impacting the separatist movement’s image.
The draft constitution, titled the “Foundation of Freedom,” faced backlash from other separatist groups for its unconventional proposals, such as establishing an oversight branch in the government, eliminating property taxes, implementing term limits for elected officials, and advocating for the election, not appointment, of judges in a sovereign Alberta.
While the proposed document was not publicly accessible online before publication, it sparked dissent within separatist circles, with some leaders distancing themselves from the Alberta Prosperity Project’s draft constitution.
As debates and divisions persist within the separatist movement, the lack of consensus on critical issues raises questions about the movement’s coherence and readiness for the upcoming referendum. Despite differing views among separatist factions, discussions around a future Alberta constitution continue, emphasizing the need for broader engagement and dialogue among supporters of independence.
