A member of the prominent pro-separation group, the Alberta Prosperity Project, has stepped down after making a racially insensitive remark during an event where the group unveiled a draft constitution for an independent Alberta.
The event, organized by the group responsible for the “Stay Free Alberta” citizen initiative petition, featured members of the Black Hat Gang from Medicine Hat, who played a role in developing the plan and presented the draft constitution.
Ian Parkinson, identified as a co-writer of the draft constitution named the “Foundation of Freedom,” made the controversial statement at the gathering in Airdrie, which was also live-streamed. His derogatory comment, targeting individuals wearing cultural or religious headdresses, sparked immediate backlash.
Following the incident, Mitch Sylvestre, the leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, announced Parkinson’s resignation and clarified that Parkinson was not a board member or officer of the group. Sylvestre emphasized that the group does not support such remarks and expressed disappointment over the incident.
The Black Hat Gang, Parkinson’s affiliated group, had previously engaged with senior government officials and proposed a new draft document outlining Albertans’ rights in 2024.
The draft constitution, termed the “Foundation of Freedom,” introduced by the Alberta Prosperity Project, has faced criticism from various separatist factions for its unconventional proposals, including the establishment of a new government branch called the “oversight branch” and the election of judges in an independent Alberta.
Despite the controversy, the draft document is seen as a starting point for discussions on a potential Alberta constitution, with plans for a constitutional conference if a binding referendum on separation is conducted successfully.
However, internal disagreements within the separatist movement have surfaced, with some leaders distancing themselves from the proposed constitution. The lack of consensus among separatist groups has raised concerns about the unity and clarity of the independence movement as the referendum approaches on October 19.
The incident involving Parkinson’s offensive comment underscores the challenges faced by separatist groups in presenting a cohesive vision for an independent Alberta in the midst of internal divisions and differing viewpoints.