A member of the prominent Alberta Prosperity Project, a pro-separation group, has stepped down following his use of a racial slur during an event where they unveiled a draft constitution for an independent Alberta. The event, organized by the “Stay Free Alberta” citizen initiative petition, included members of the Black Hat Gang contributing to the plan.

Ian Parkinson, one of the Black Hat Gang members, co-wrote the draft constitution named the “Foundation of Freedom” and presented it in Airdrie. During his speech, Parkinson made a derogatory remark that was met with applause but later criticized for targeting Sikh, Muslim, or Arab individuals based on their cultural or religious attire.

The leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, Mitch Sylvestre, accepted Parkinson’s resignation promptly, emphasizing that the group does not support such comments. Parkinson’s association was clarified as not holding any official position within the organization.

Criticism arose from within the separatist movement, with Keith Wilson, co-leader of Let Alberta Decide, denouncing Parkinson’s remarks for casting a negative light on the entire movement. The draft constitution, “Foundation of Freedom,” proposed by the Alberta Prosperity Project, faced backlash from other separatist groups for its unconventional ideas, including the establishment of an oversight branch in the government and the election of judges.

Despite the event’s promotion as a collaborative effort, some key figures like Wilson and Bruce Pardy distanced themselves from the proposed constitution, citing concerns about its content and readiness. Sylvestre clarified that the draft served as a starting point for discussions on a potential future Alberta constitution and would undergo further refinement through public input.

The lack of consensus within the separatist camp has raised questions about the movement’s unity as the Alberta referendum approaches. With various opinions on the proposed constitution and the overall plan for separation, the independence movement faces challenges in presenting a cohesive vision to Albertans ahead of the upcoming polls on Oct. 19.