'Ridiculous, racist' remark leads to member’s exit from Alberta Prosperity Project events

A member of the prominent pro-separation group the Alberta Prosperity Project has “resigned” after he used a racial slur at an event on Thursday where the group presented a draft constitution for an independent Alberta.

The event, held by the group behind the “Stay Free Alberta” citizen initiative petition , featured members of the Black Hat Gang, a group from Medicine Hat who were credited with contributing to the plan and who presented the document.

One of its members, Ian Parkinson, was introduced as a co-writer of the draft constitution called the “Foundation of Freedom,” which was presented in Airdrie and livestreamed online.

“Every citizen has the right to life, liberty and security to the person — your own security, not some flip flop, towel-headed police officer who doesn’t even speak Canadian,” Parkinson said to applause by members of the audience.

The derogatory remark made by Parkinson is typically directed at Sikh, Muslim or Arab individuals in reference to cultural or religious headdresses.

On Friday afternoon, Mitch Sylvestre, the leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, said he had accepted Parkinson’s resignation from the group effective immediately, and that Parkinson will not participate in, speak at or represent the group’s events or initiatives.

“I want to be plain about it. The Alberta Prosperity Project does not condone or tolerate what was said. We strongly oppose those comments, and we are disappointed they were made from a platform we provided,” the statement read.

The group Parkinson is associated with, the Black Hat Gang, met with senior government officials and proposed a new draft document of Albertans' rights in 2024.

Parkinson was not a board member or officer of the Alberta Prosperity Project, the group confirmed.

CBC News reached out to Parkinson for comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.

In an interview with CBC News, Sylvestre said he was backstage when the comment was made and did not hear what Parkinson said.

“That was very, very unfortunate,” he said of Parkinson’s comment, adding that it doesn’t represent his group’s views. “Had I heard that, I would have dealt with it right there on the spot.”

Parkinson’s comment drew widespread criticism, including from several within the separatist camp who say it paints their side with “broad brushes.”

Keith Wilson, co-leader of the pro-independence group and registered third-party advertiser Let Alberta Decide, denounced the remark made by Parkinson in an interview with CBC News.