A member of the prominent pro-separation organization, the Alberta Prosperity Project, has stepped down after using a racial slur during an event where the group unveiled a preliminary constitution for an independent Alberta. The gathering, hosted by the group supporting the “Stay Free Alberta” citizen initiative petition, featured the Black Hat Gang from Medicine Hat, who were acknowledged for their contributions to the plan and presented the document.
Ian Parkinson, one of the members, 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, which garnered applause from the audience, was aimed at Sikh, Muslim, or Arab individuals in relation to cultural or religious headwear.
Mitch Sylvestre, the leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, announced Parkinson’s immediate resignation from the group on Friday afternoon, emphasizing that Parkinson would no longer be involved in the organization’s activities or represent them. Sylvestre condemned Parkinson’s remarks, stating that they were not endorsed by the group and expressing disappointment that they were made using a platform provided by them.
The Black Hat Gang, Parkinson’s associated group, engaged with senior government officials and proposed a new draft document outlining the rights of Albertans in 2024. Confirming that Parkinson was not a board member or officer of the Alberta Prosperity Project, Sylvestre disclosed that he was unaware of Parkinson’s comment as he was backstage during the incident.
The incident drew widespread criticism, with Keith Wilson, co-leader of the pro-independence group Let Alberta Decide, denouncing Parkinson’s statement as inappropriate and racist. Wilson highlighted the challenge of such comments tarnishing the entire separatist movement, stressing that they do not align with the values of the independence supporters he knows.
The draft constitution presented by the Alberta Prosperity Project, known as the “Foundation of Freedom,” has faced backlash from other separatist factions. The document includes unique proposals like the establishment of an “oversight branch” within the government, the elimination of property taxes, and the election of judges in a sovereign Alberta.
Despite the tensions within the separatist camp over the proposed constitution, Sylvestre clarified that it serves as a starting point for discussions and would be subject to further refinement through a constitutional conference if a binding referendum on separation were to succeed.
The lack of consensus among separatist groups has raised concerns about the unity of the independence movement, especially with the upcoming referendum. Jared Wesley, a political science professor at the University of Alberta, noted the absence of a concrete plan from the separatist movement, highlighting the need for clarity as Albertans prepare to vote on October 19.
