Is your MLA an Alberta separatist? The Republicans list draws controversy

The controversy surrounding UCP on the issue of Alberta independence continues with the Alberta Republican Party releasing a list of MLAs that it says are in favour of the province separating from Canada.

According to the list published on the pro-independence party’s website, 18 sitting UCP MLAs are pro-independence.

CityNews reached out to all the mentioned MLAs, only two of them responded. As a result, CityNews has not been able to confirm the veracity of the Republicans’ claims independently.

Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Justin Wright said that he, like the UCP, supported a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada.

Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland MLA Shane Getson declined to clarify his stance, but instead fired back at the Republicans.

“Not impressed how they can write things in their little web site and not have it backed up by anything,” Getson said. “I liken their behaviours to those of adolescents scribbling down phone numbers on gas station bathroom cubicles.”

Getson added that the UCP caucus has asked the Republicans to remove the names of several members on the list.

Cameron Davies, leader of the Alberta Republicans, though defended the list, insisting that Albertans had the right to know.

“Many of those I know on a personal level, and they have expressed in private to myself and others their views on Alberta independence,” Davies said on the process used to compile the list.

“If those MLAs wish to renounce those views publicly, or say they no longer hold them, I’ve always said they’re welcome to do so and we’re happy to remove them from that list,” he added.

Davies said he removed RJ Sigurdson and Rajan Sawhney after they requested their names to be taken off.

Political scientist Duane Bratt said that while he does not trust the accuracy of the list, he said the clock was ticking for all MLAs to make their stance clear.

“Is the UCP a separatist party? We know there are separatists in there. We know there are federalists in there. I want to know, does my government believe in this? Now, maybe not at this stage but if it gets to a referendum,” Bratt said.

Premier Danielle smith has repeatedly said she wants Alberta to stay in Canada, but she also changed the rules to make it easier to force a vote on the matter. The premier says she expects that to happen this fall.

All 38 MLAs of the Alberta NDP have signed a pledge to support Alberta staying within Canada.

— With files from Sean Amato