Speaker faces consequences of racist remarks at separatist event

Posted on August 27, 2026 by Sunny South News

Southern Alberta Newspapers

A Medicine Hat man has been removed from a public post after publicly making racist remarks at a pro-separation event earlier this month.

Ian Parkinson is a local advocate and a member of various political and community councils and organizations, including the right-wing activist organization the “Black Hat Gang” and a city committee.

Parkinson was asked to speak at a meeting of the Alberta Prosperity Project on Aug. 14 that was live-streamed online, where the pro-separation group was presenting a draft constitution for an independent Alberta.

While reading through rights and freedoms outlined in the document, Parkinson made a derogatory comment directed at Sikh or Muslim individuals.

“Every citizen has the right to life, liberty and security to the person – your own security, not some flip flop, towel-headed police officer who doesn’t even speak Canadian,” said Parker, drawing some applause from the room.

In an Aug. 14 statement shared with Southern Alberta Newspapers, CEO of the Alberta Prosperity Project Mitch Sylvestre said Parkinson’s language had no place in the separation movement or in the province.

“I want to be plain about it. The Alberta Prosperity Project does not condone or tolerate what was said. We strongly oppose those comments, and we are disappointed they were made from a platform we provided,” said Sylvestre.

Sylvestre said he accepted Parkinson’s resignation on Aug. 14. Parkinson was not a board member or officer of the organization. Going forward, the Alberta Prosperity Project says he will not participate in, speak at, or represent APP events or initiatives.

Parkinson also holds numerous affiliations in the Medicine Hat area.

The City of Medicine Hat accepted Parkinson’s resignation on Aug. 17 from his civilian roles on the municipal planning commission and heritage resource working group. Acting Mayor Stuart Young provided a statement on behalf of the city.

“The city denounces racist and discriminatory remarks in all forms,” the statement reads. “Such statements have no place in our community, are contrary to the principles of dignity and respect for all people and cause real harm by undermining social cohesion and public trust. Public officials and committee members have a responsibility to foster inclusion, not division.”

“Given the seriousness of Mr. Parkinson’s comments and their inconsistency with the standards expected of those serving the public, the city has accepted his resignation from both the Heritage Resources Working Group and the Municipal Planning Commission. This decision reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining public confidence in its institutions and ensuring that its advisory bodies reflect the values of respect, inclusion, and accountability.”

Parkinson had been appointed to the planning commission by council in December 2024.

Following his Aug. 14 remarks, he was asked to resign from his position on the Southeast Alberta Regional Advisory Council, one of 14 groups that provide local insights on health system decision-making.

“Alberta’s government believes, in no uncertain terms, that all Albertans deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Racist or discriminatory comments are unacceptable and do not reflect our values,” said Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services Adriana LaGrange in an Aug. 14 statement.

Southern Alberta Newspapers contacted council chair Paul Carolan for comment on Parkinson’s remarks and resignation. Carolan declined to comment, directing inquiries to the Primary and Preventative Health Services advisory Councils Secretariat. The secretariat did not comment in time for publication.

Parkinson was also formerly president of the Cypress-Medicine Hat United Conservative Party constituency association. He served in that role twice in the last 10 years, in 2017 and in 2025.

Parkinson did not respond to a request for comment from Southern Alberta Newspapers in time for publication.