Elections Alberta clears independence referendum of foreign interference
Elections Alberta has concluded that the Alberta independence referendum is free from foreign interference.
Author: Quinn Patrick
Elections Alberta has concluded that the Alberta independence referendum is free from foreign interference.
“Elections Alberta has robust financial compliance and enforcement processes to enforce election law and combat potential interference,” Robyn Bell, a spokesperson for the agency told Postmedia.
“At this time, we believe we are correctly funded and staffed, and able to address any potential uptick in investigative activity.”
The Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) has faced criticism after several of its leaders announced contact with the U.S. State Department on three different occasions.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also expressed support for Alberta becoming an independent state last week, calling the province a “natural partner” for America.
APP leader Mitch Sylvestre has repeatedly stated his organization’s goal is for Alberta to become an independent state, not to leave Canada only to become America’s 51st state.
Meanwhile, APP founder Dennis Modry said earlier this month that the U.S. has offered military aid to Alberta in the event of a successful independence referendum to help facilitate border security.
While Elections Alberta doesn’t believe there is currently any foreign interference, Bell said the agency’s process does encourage “anyone who may have information or evidence of a potential contravention from coming forward and making a complaint about potential interference or any other nefarious activity.”
The latest Alberta independence rally drew thousands, signalling surging support for the movement.
According to organizers, more than 4,000 attendees were present at Calgary’s Stampede Park on Monday to listen to speakers, with an additional 2,000 lining up to sign the official referendum petition.
Among the speakers gathered in the Big Four Roadhouse were Sylvestre and lawyers and organizers Eva Chipiuk and Jeffery Rath.
“If you were in a business arrangement with a group of people that didn’t respect you, and continued to abuse you, would you stay in that business arrangement?” Sylvestre asked the galvanized crowd.
Speakers and attendees raised concerns over equalization payments, the Liberals’ gun confiscation program, and Ottawa’s immigration rate over the last decade.