The Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) is in damage control mode after controversial comments were made by one of their prominent supporters at a town hall in Airdrie on Thursday night. The comments are being criticized as racist and drew condemnation from the organization itself Friday afternoon. The Alberta Prosperity Project identified the speaker in question as Ian Parkinson, a pro-separatist from the Medicine Hat Foundation of Freedom Project. Parkinson also sits on the Government of Alberta’s regional advisory council overlooking health care. He worked in Alberta’s oilsands before moving to southern Alberta, doing IT support for the Canadian armed forces base in Suffield. During Thursday’s town hall, Parkinson was brought out to speak about an APP document called the Foundation of Freedom, a draft constitution for an independent Alberta designed to promote discussion. While Parkinson reiterated the first right of the draft, which was “every citizen has the right to life, liberty and security of person,” he honed in on an individual’s personal security, where he proceeded to make seemingly disparaging remarks about a hypothetical racialized police officer’s attire and their ability to “speak Canadian.” Friday afternoon, Mitch Sylvestre, the CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project, issued a statement saying his organization does not condone or tolerate Parkinson’s comments. “Yesterday, at one of our livestreamed events, a speaker used language that has no place in this movement and no place in this province,” Sylvestre said. “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. “Given the comments made, I have accepted Mr. Parkinson’s resignation, effective immediately. He will not participate in, speak at or represent APP events or initiatives. “Some of the work I am most proud of has been the relationships we have built with the many cultures and communities that call Alberta home. Those conversations have been honest and at times difficult, and they have made this organization better. I am not prepared to watch that work undone by one person’s words.” Asked to resign: province A provincial spokesperson said Parkinson has been asked to resign from his seat on the health advisory board. Erin Allin, the executive director of communications for the Premier’s office, posted a statement issued by the office of Justin Wright, Alberta’s Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. “We are aware of comments made at a recent public event by Ian Parkinson. Today, Minister Wright...asked Mr. Parkinson to resign from the Southeast Alberta Regional Advisory Council, and he has accepted. The council serves southeast Alberta and advises on ways to improve health care and bring forward local priorities. “Alberta’s government believes in no uncertain terms that all Albertans deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Racist or discriminatory comments are unacceptable and do not reflect our values.” CTV News has reached out to Parkinson for comment.
