About 50 people attended an event at the Stettler Curling Club on Aug. 12 hosted by the Alberta Independence Discussion group. Speakers represented several political movements focused on provincial sovereignty, including Maxine Bernier and Jonathan Bridges of the Peoples Party of Canada, Cam Davies of the Republican Party of Canada, Ron Robertson the interim president of the Independence Party of Alberta and Jeff Willerton of the Christian Heritage Party.

The Independence Party of Alberta supports establishing an independent constitutional republic. The party contends Alberta was created in 1905 without consultation and has largely functioned as a resource colony. It seeks a government accountable to Albertans, based on a constitution and Bill of Rights protecting freedoms such as free speech, religious expression, property rights and firearm ownership.

Presenters described the Canadian confederation as favouring eastern Canada while limiting the influence of western provinces and that Ottawa conservatives do not represent Alberta’s political interests. The event emphasized the party’s position that a constitutional republic is needed to limit government power and protect individual rights, while a democracy risks consolidating power and undermining equality.

The Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), an educational society, was unable to attend but continues to collaborate with other independence groups. The APP platform advocates for self-determination through education, policy advocacy and public engagement. The organization promotes exploring greater autonomy for Alberta, either within or outside the Canadian federation. 

Its goals include holding a referendum on sovereignty, consolidating provincial authority, and creating a constitution in consultation with Albertans. It envisions Alberta as a low-tax, lightly regulated jurisdiction with a high GDP per capita, robust pensions and veterans’ benefits, constitutional protections for First Nations as founding partners, and strong support for workers, businesses, healthcare, education, and social programs. 

Five parties currently identify with the independence movement, and organizers stressed the need for cooperation and public engagement in shaping its future. 

The Alberta Independence Discussion group is holding discussions throughout Alberta to inform and discuss the issue of Alberta separation.