Alberta sovereignty groups forced to switch venues for events

By Medicine Hat News on April 9, 2025.

@MedicineHatNews

Two events to promote Alberta independence and a provincial pension plan have switched venues after organizers say bookings in Medicine Hat and Bow Island were cancelled early this week.

Chinook Village in the Hat and the Royal Canadian Legion in Bow Island were both set to host meetings of the “Alberta Prosperity Project” on Wednesday and Friday, respectively.

Sources tell the News the cancellations were to avoid potential criticism or public connecting the facilities to the group, while local organizer Scott Payne said he wasn’t given a formal explanation, but felt there was concern that opponents to an Alberta pension or separation could cause a disruption.

“They have a business to run, so they have to make the best choices for their business,” said Payne, who has secured a new venue at the German Canadian Harmony Hall in Redcliff to hold a combined event Wednesday evening, ahead of a scheduled meeting Thursday in Lethbridge.

“It’s not a secret meeting. It’s important for people to come and listen and evaluate.”

Payne said the Wednesday event is an opportunity for Hatters to learn more about sovereignty.

Officials with the seniors’ living facility told the News they had previously rented the group a room years ago, but wasn’t aware of the new program’s topics when it was booked several weeks ago.

Generally the philosophy is to avoid controversy, the person said.

Bow Island Legion officials directed the News inquiries to the Legion’s Alberta Command office which made the decision to cancel. Those calls were not returned Tuesday.

The Alberta Prosperity Project held meetings in the Hat and across Alberta for several years to promote a provincial pension plan, greater autonomy and criticize the governmental pandemic response.

It made news last month when several APP officials proposed they should form a delegation to meet U.S. President Donald Trump to determine his level of support for economic or political ties with an independent Alberta.

That group includes former Medicine Hat MP Lavar Payne, who is Scott Payne’s father.

“I’m sure there will be some discussion about that and lots of questions,” Scott told the News on Monday.

He feels Albertans want a “better deal” politically, legally and economically for Alberta.

“Sovereignty is what they’re all about.”

Set to speak at the meeting are Dennis Modry and Mitch Sylvestre, two APP officials who are also supporting the “Commonwealth delegation to Washington” proposal.

They have also called for the province to hold a secession referendum next fall.

The meeting comes as Angus Reid released a poll that suggests 25 per cent of Albertans would vote for independence, with the number rising to 30 per cent if a Liberal government is returned after this month’s federal election.

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