APP hosting Sovereignty Meeting in Taber on Dec. 15

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Vauxhall Advance

By Trevor Busch
Vauxhall Advance
editor@tabertimes.com

Locals interested in investigating the various pros and cons of an independent Alberta won’t have far to go to find supporters willing to bend their ear.  

The Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) will be hosting a Sovereignty Meeting in Taber on Dec. 15 at the Heritage Inn at 7 p.m. 

Referred to as a non-profit education society, the APP is dedicated to holding a referendum on Alberta sovereignty, preserving the jurisdiction as “strong, free and sovereign” and creating “the constitution of Alberta for and with Albertans.” 

“Dr. Dennis Modry, Jeffrey Rath and other concerned Albertans started the APP,” said Scott Payne, APP SE Region co-chair. “The genesis of the APP appears to be tied to conversations that Dr. Modry had with Premier Ralph Klein circa 2000-2003 about Alberta’s poor treatment in Confederation and what could be done about it. Our CEO, Mitch Sylvestre has led the ramped up construction of the APP educational organization in the wake of the spring federal election.”

Payne outlined what attendees should expect to see at the Taber meeting.

“The benefits of Alberta independence, including massive reductions in taxation and corruption, increased employment and robust growth across all economic sectors will be discussed. Additionally, questions will be answered about: the upcoming independence referendum in 2026, announced by Premier Smith; the many destructive actions and pending legislation by the federal government; and what rights, freedoms and protection from bad governance that the APP believes an independent Alberta can guarantee to Albertans. Guests are encouraged to ask questions after the presentation.”

Rural Southern Alberta has shown strong support for Alberta sovereignty, says Payne. 

“South Alberta, like its rural counterparts across Alberta, are hotbeds for the freedom and personal prosperity that can come from independence from the horribly wasteful and destructive federal government. I believe that the desire for full sovereignty, or independence, is strong in the Taber region. This strong desire is echoed along the Highway 3 corridor and across Alberta.”

Payne only sees advantages in permanently dispensing with Ottawa’s oversight in favour of an independent nation.

“The greatest advantages from my perspective are the opportunities for Albertans once the tyranny of Confederation is ended through independence. Albertans will be able to control their destiny. Alberta economic growth will no longer be blocked by federal overreach. The nation of Alberta will be able to build economic agreements with foreign nations without permission from Ottawa. Alberta will no longer be subject to the destructive and repressive supply management cartels. Young Albertans will be able to achieve the dreams that their parents lived. Youth will be able to buy homes, build families, accumulate wealth for retirement and to have disposable income that can enrich their lives and help their children through school. An independent Alberta will be safer than Canada as we will ensure that violence and crime are prevented and deterred through strong justice and prevention of entry to Alberta by criminals and violent ideologies. An independent Alberta will not destroy itself like Canada has done with massive deficits for the past 10 years.”

Just what model of governance could be adopted for an independent Alberta is still in the preliminary phase.

“Political and governance models are being considered that will be presented as options that Albertans can choose from and work towards,” said Payne. “Those models may have some ideas like: limits on taxation; inalienable rights and freedoms; and oversight to prevent theft and waste that are present in all three levels of our current governments.” 

Critics of any proposal for a sovereign Alberta have so far been legion, suggesting multiple federal and provincial roadblocks that will make the idea unfeasible. Payne argues that if you agree that the province has been delivered a raw deal from day one, Albertans should reassess their loyalties. 

“First I would ask those critics: ‘If Alberta was already an independent nation, would you want to join the Canadian Confederation under the current terms of membership and with the pending collapse of its economy and institutions?’ This is a paraphrase of a question that Dr. Modry asks regularly of critics and skeptics. Many Albertans understand the coming destruction of Canada by the federal government. These Albertans are motivated to ensure they and more importantly, their children, can have a future with financial prosperity and without the violence and tyranny that the United Kingdom is experiencing. The Canadian Government is very closely following the United Kingdom with: tyrannical laws like Bills C-2/8/9 (privacy, internet banning and faux hate speech laws); unrelenting immigration that is bringing in many people who hold violent ideologies towards women, children, Jewish people and those who are not of their ideology.”

Getting our resource wealth to tidewater would actually be easier under a sovereign Alberta, not harder, asserts Payne.

“Alberta is already landlocked and policy landlocked by the governments of Canada, British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec. These governments and some Indigenous groups have vowed to prevent any future pipelines east or west. The situation can only improve by getting out of Confederation. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) would be in effect for an independent Alberta. Alberta would legally have access to the Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic Oceans under UNCLOS. Additionally, an independent Alberta would then be able to deal with the United States of America and other nations, whereas the Province of Alberta cannot do that. The United States wants our energy. It is a strategic goal for their security.”

“An independent Alberta would not be policy landlocked. Canada would not otherwise block our trade and shipping, because they would not want similar retaliation from Alberta, which would not be in anyone’s best interest. Canada and Alberta would naturally remain customers and vendors to each other.”

“Normal diplomacy would continue, but would be expanded to suit the needs of the new nation. One should remember that the Premier had an audience with the President of the United States earlier this year that reduced tariffs on our energy exports to the USA. Not everyone gets that kind of opportunity. It showed that Alberta is already on the world stage,” said Payne.

The APP will be happy to field any questions about the sovereignty movement on Dec. 15.

“If local people want to learn about the benefits of Alberta independence they should attend on Monday, December 15 at the Taber Heritage Inn. Doors open at 6 p.m., the presentation starts at 7 p.m. There is no cost for admission. Bring your questions, we want to answer them.”