LAKELAND - Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr was emphatic in his disavowal of the Alberta Republican Party after the organization named him as one of 11 MLAs they believe support their goal of an independence referendum.
According to their website, the Alberta Republican Party also wishes to hold a referendum “to gauge the will of Albertans to seek U.S. statehood or territorial status.”
Lakeland This Week contacted Cyr by e-mail and asked him to explicitly clarify his position on a referendum regarding secession from Canada, and on joining the USA.
“I have neither filled out any survey nor made statements publicly or in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta regarding a referendum on Alberta secession,” said Cyr.
“As far as I am aware, the list being circulated appears to have originated from a newly formed political party that is advocating for Alberta’s separation from Canada. I am not a member of that party and have no association with its platform. I am a proud member of the United Conservative Party and intend to remain with the UCP.”
Cyr said it is unfortunate how quickly misinformation can spread, and that his focus remains on advocating for the best interests of the families and businesses in Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul.
“The federal Liberal government - and their NDP allies - have implemented policies and adopted language that many in our region perceive as hostile toward [the oil and gas] industry and our way of life,” said Cyr.
“That growing frustration has led some Albertans to begin exploring alternative visions for our province’s future, especially in light of the fear that these same federal parties may return to power and resume their attempts to dismantle our energy sector.”
Cyr said he is hopeful the federal Conservatives will win the election on April 28 and “repair the damaged relationship between Alberta and Eastern Canada.”
“Should the Liberals - now under the leadership of Mark Carney - retain control in Ottawa, then I believe Albertans may decide to take a hard look at our province’s role within Confederation. That said, I continue to support a strong and sovereign Alberta within Canada.”
Cyr noted Alberta does have citizen-initiated referendum legislation “which empowers voters to put ideas forward for the entire province to consider – should enough support exist.”
“Our United Conservative caucus remains focused on working with a Prime Minister who respects Alberta, understands our contributions, and is committed to national unity through fairness, not force.”
