A member of the prominent Alberta Prosperity Project, a pro-separation group, has stepped down following the use of a racial slur at an event where a draft constitution for an independent Alberta was presented. The event, organized by the “Stay Free Alberta” citizen initiative petition group, featured the Black Hat Gang from Medicine Hat, who contributed to the constitution draft named the “Foundation of Freedom.” During the presentation in Airdrie, Ian Parkinson, one of the members, made a derogatory comment, sparking criticism.
Mitch Sylvestre, the Alberta Prosperity Project leader, promptly accepted Parkinson’s resignation, emphasizing that the group does not endorse or tolerate such remarks. Parkinson, who is not an official of the Alberta Prosperity Project, will no longer be involved in the group’s activities. The incident drew condemnation from various quarters, including separatists who distanced themselves from the offensive comment.
The draft constitution, known as the “Foundation of Freedom,” proposed by the Alberta Prosperity Project, faced backlash for its unconventional ideas, such as the creation of an oversight branch in the government, abolishing property taxes, and electing judges in an independent Alberta. The document was not publicly available at the time of reporting.
While the event was marketed as a collaborative effort, key figures like Keith Wilson and Bruce Pardy raised concerns about the draft constitution’s content, emphasizing the need for consensus and further discussions. Sylvestre clarified that the draft was a starting point for dialogue on Alberta’s future constitution and hinted at a constitutional conference following a potential referendum on separation.
The lack of consensus among separatist groups highlighted by recent disagreements indicates ongoing challenges within the independence movement as Alberta heads towards a pivotal referendum on October 19.