Debunking the Smears: Thomas Lukaszuk’s Dangerous Distortions on Alberta’s Independence Surge

by Alberta Prosperity Project
Published: Updated:

Former Alberta PC MLA Thomas Lukaszuk’s, best known for the $20,000 phone bill he gave taxpayers from his trip back home to Poland, recent National Post article paints the province’s independence movement as a shadowy cabal of “angry white men armed to the teeth,” briefing Ottawa’s power brokers on this supposed “national security threat.” It’s a grotesque caricature that dismisses the legitimate aspirations of hundreds of thousands of Albertans—from farmers and energy workers to Indigenous families and entrepreneurs. As the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), we’re not just calling out these falsehoods; we’re exposing how Lukaszuk’s fearmongering serves federal interests while silencing real voices. For our full vision of a prosperous, independent Alberta, visit www.albertaprosperity.com and review our policies at this document.

Lukaszuk’s narrative isn’t mere opinion—it’s a calculated assault on a diverse coalition demanding economic justice and self-determination. Let’s dismantle his claims with facts, voices from the front lines, and a stark reminder of Ottawa’s selective deafness.

Stereotyping a Province: “Angry White Men” or Everyday Albertans?

Lukaszuk reduces independence supporters to a “very small group of angry militant men,” lumping in oilfield workers, convoy participants, anti-vaxxers, and even “evangelical, Mormon” influences as some monolithic threat. This isn’t analysis; it’s an insult to the broad spectrum of Albertans fueling this movement. Polls consistently show support at 30 per cent or higher, with recent surveys like Kolosowski Strategies’ August 2025 findings revealing 45 per cent would vote yes in a referendum—spanning Conservatives, rural residents, and urban professionals alike.

Worse, his “angry white men” trope erases the Indigenous backbone of our cause. Constitutional lawyer and First Nations advocate Jeffrey Rath, with 34 years championing Indigenous rights, fired back on X: “THOMAS LUKASZUK claims that the Independence movement is entirely made up of ‘angry white men’ ‘armed to the teeth’ he now labels a ‘national security threat’. This will come as shock to all of the indigenous men and women who support our movement!” Rath’s post sparked a chorus of replies from Treaty 6 families, immigrants, and women declaring their unyielding support: “I’m treaty Indian and I support Alberta Independence,” one wrote, while another from a First Nations family added, “we all support independence! Letssss go!!” Rath nailed it: “Every Albertan that can count money supports #independence.” Rath has continued to amplify this truth, confirming that First Nations voters will have full, independent say in any referendum run by Elections Alberta—not Elections Canada—to ensure fairness and transparency.

This stereotyping isn’t harmless—it’s divisive, alienating allies and inflating a fringe to discredit the mainstream. As commentator Cory Morgan argued in a recent interview with John Bolton, Lukaszuk’s rhetoric is “bizarre and irresponsible,” misportraying peaceful rallies and town halls as militant uprisings. Morgan, author of The Sovereigntist’s Handbook, stressed: “The movement has involved peaceful town hall meetings and rallies, with no evidence of extremism or violence.”

Ottawa’s Insider Game: Briefing Has-Beens While Ignoring the People

Lukaszuk’s most egregious boast? His summons to the Prime Minister’s Office under Mark Carney, where he “explained events in Alberta” to the PMO, federal caucus, and Senate, warning of “national security risks” from our “angry” populace. Why is Ottawa turning to a scandal-plagued ex-NDP MLA—who hasn’t held office since 2015 and whose “Forever Canada” petition barely scratches 14 per cent of voters—for “updates” on our movement? Simple: because they don’t want to hear your concerns.

Rath cuts straight to the chase on this federal meddling, exposing Lukaszuk as “a Carney Liberal in the pay of the Federal Government to subvert #AlbertaIndependence.”

As Rath notes, the more Lukaszuk and Carney yap about Alberta, the more everyday folks—from Treaty holders to urban families—flock to our side. Prosperity and freedom speak volumes, and Rath’s clarion call underscores that this isn’t rage; it’s resolve from a cross-section of Albertans who see through the smears.

As Morgan warned in the Bolton interview, this backchannel could distort federal perceptions, prompting heavy-handed interventions to “suppress civil unrest” that doesn’t exist. “If the federal government is taking the stuff that Lukaszuk is saying seriously… it means the federal government might be considering coming in,” Morgan cautioned, echoing fears of a Chrétien-style anti-referendum campaign. Why not call the Alberta Prosperity Project? We’re the ones organizing democratic petitions, policy platforms, and inclusive dialogues—not peddling paranoia. Ottawa’s echo chamber prefers compliant informants over engaged citizens because facing Albertans’ grievances—equalisation theft, regulatory strangling, and cultural erasure—might force real change. Instead, they amplify Lukaszuk’s clownish warnings, risking the very tensions he pretends to fear.

Building Momentum: A Positive Path Forward

Lukaszuk’s distortions won’t derail us. As Rath put it, determination—not anger—drives this fight. Morgan urges a pivot to positivity: “Switch that to why we will be better… convince a lot of the Albertans who aren’t sure.” With Premier Danielle Smith’s Bill 14 easing the path to a referendum, we’re laser-focused on solutions: safeguarding pensions, unleashing our economy, and honouring Indigenous rights in a sovereign Alberta.

Signature collection kicks off in late January—your participation is crucial. We need dedicated door knockers to spread the word face-to-face, braving the winter chill for a warmer future. Sign up as a volunteer today at https://nb.albertaprosperity.com/volunteer. And to fuel this grassroots surge, make a pledge towards our campaign—every dollar counts in reclaiming our destiny. Donate securely at https://nb.albertaprosperity.com/donate.

Albertans, our story isn’t one of rage or rifles—it’s one of resolve and renewal. Join the Alberta Prosperity Project. Together, we’ll forge independence on our terms.

Alberta Prosperity Project – Come On. Let’s Go.

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