A member of the prominent Alberta Prosperity Project, a pro-separation group, has stepped down after using a racial slur during an event where a draft constitution for an independent Alberta was unveiled. The event, organized by the “Stay Free Alberta” citizen initiative petition, featured the Black Hat Gang from Medicine Hat, who helped craft the constitution titled the “Foundation of Freedom.”
Ian Parkinson, a co-writer of the constitution, made derogatory remarks targeting Sikh, Muslim, or Arab individuals. Following widespread criticism, Mitch Sylvestre, the leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, accepted Parkinson’s resignation and stated that Parkinson would no longer be involved in the group’s activities.
The Black Hat Gang, Parkinson’s associated group, had previously met with senior government officials to propose a draft document on Albertans’ rights. The proposed constitution faced backlash for its unconventional ideas, including the creation of a new government branch and the election of judges in a sovereign Alberta.
Various separatist leaders, including Keith Wilson, distanced themselves from the draft constitution, calling it a distraction. Despite the lack of consensus among separatists, Sylvestre emphasized that the draft was meant to spark discussions and would be open to further revisions through a constitutional conference.
Jared Wesley, a political science professor, highlighted the disunity within the independence movement as Albertans prepare for an upcoming referendum on October 19. The ongoing debates and disagreements among separatist groups indicate a lack of a unified plan for Alberta’s potential separation from Canada.