“Alberta Separatists Are About to Flood the Internet With Propaganda. Here’s What to Watch For. By Cole Bennett”
The recent Substack article by “colenotcole” paints the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) and the broader movement for Alberta sovereignty as a deceptive “propaganda” campaign designed to mislead Albertans with utopian promises while hiding catastrophic risks. This characterization is not only unfair but relies heavily on fearmongering, exaggeration, and omission of key facts. The APP is a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering Albertans through democratic processes, including a citizen-initiated referendum on independence. Our goal is transparent: to give Albertans a clear choice about our future through informed debate and a fair vote.
Far from “flooding the internet with propaganda,” the APP provides educational resources, factual analysis, and expert insights to counter decades of federal overreach, unfair equalization transfers (where Alberta contributes billions more than it receives), and policies that undermine our economy and freedoms. For accurate information on the APP’s mission and answers to common questions, visit https://albertaprosperityproject.com/ and our FAQ at https://albertaprosperityproject.com/faq/.
Let’s address the article’s main claims directly:
- Claim: Independence would be chaotic, with loss of Canadian passports, border checks, threats to pensions, healthcare, trade, currency, and mobility.
This is classic scare tactics. A sovereign Alberta would negotiate separation in good faith, similar to peaceful divisions like Czechoslovakia’s “Velvet Divorce” or potential Quebec scenarios. Dual citizenship and passport arrangements are common in such transitions and entirely negotiable. Pensions (including CPP) and healthcare would continue seamlessly through agreements – Alberta already funds the lion’s share of its services and would retain far more revenue post-independence. Constitutional lawyer Keith Wilson, K.C., a leading expert on these matters (though not affiliated with the APP), has repeatedly explained that negotiations would cover assets, liabilities, and ongoing arrangements. In a recent video debunking myths, he notes that Alberta’s strong leverage – including control over energy exports critical to neighbours – would ensure practical, amicable outcomes. Borders? Open trade and travel agreements are the norm between friendly nations. - Claim: Alberta would be landlocked, vulnerable, dependent on the U.S., and weaker overall.
Many successful landlocked nations thrive (e.g., Switzerland, Austria) through trade agreements. Alberta’s energy resources give us immense leverage – as Keith Wilson pointed out in a December 2025 post, British Columbia relies on Alberta pipelines for its gasoline supply, and threats to block exports would backfire spectacularly. An independent Alberta could negotiate direct trade deals, free from Ottawa’s restrictive policies.Recent diplomatic efforts, including meetings in Washington, reflect building international alliances for a sovereign future – not dependency, but partnerships. The U.S. has signalled openness to recognising a democratic referendum outcome, aligning with its national security interests in stable North American energy. - Claim: The timeline (sovereign by 2027) is “delusional,” and claims like 0% income tax are fantasies.
The citizen initiative petition – recently approved by Elections Alberta – requires approximately 177,000 signatures (10% of votes from the last provincial election) to trigger a referendum. Collection begins soon, and a vote could occur in 2026. Post-referendum negotiations would follow, with sovereignty achievable in a reasonable timeframe if supported by Albertans.On taxation: Alberta’s vast oil reserves, combined with our small population, make a low- or no-personal-income-tax model realistic, as seen in resource-rich nations like the UAE or Qatar. Keith Wilson has compared these in detail, showing the numbers align favourably for Alberta. This isn’t fantasy – it’s fiscal reality when we stop sending billions to Ottawa. - Claim: The APP uses a “professional facade,” unclear funding, and tactics like deepfakes.
The APP is led by dedicated Albertans, including professionals like our CEO Mitch Sylvestre, retired heart surgeon Dr. Dennis Modry, and supported by thousands of volunteers. Funding comes from grassroots donations – transparent and accountable. Accusations of deepfakes or misleading tactics are baseless; our materials are factual and sourced. For direct debunking of common myths (including First Nations issues, military concerns, and more), see Keith Wilson’s comprehensive article on the APP site: https://albertaprosperityproject.com/keith-wilson/debunking-the-top-myths-about-alberta-independence/.
The article dismisses the movement as fringe and unsuccessful, yet ignores growing frustration with federal policies that punish Alberta’s success. Polls and rallies show real support for exploring sovereignty. Danielle Smith’s Sovereignty Act was a step toward asserting provincial rights, but many Albertans now see full independence as the only lasting solution.
Albertans deserve facts, not fear. The APP encourages open, respectful debate. If independence sounds “too good to be true,” it’s because staying in a system that takes more than it gives has become unsustainable. Explore the evidence yourself at https://albertaprosperityproject.com/.
We look forward to a democratic referendum where Albertans decide our future.