A prominent political organizer, David Parker, associated with the pro-separatist group Centurion Project, is not cooperating with Elections Alberta’s investigation. This inquiry concerns alleged inappropriate use of the province’s electors list. Chief electoral officer Gordon McClure confirmed on Tuesday that Parker has declined to sign a statutory declaration mandating compliance with the investigation’s directives.
Investigation Details
Elections Alberta, alongside Alberta’s privacy commissioner and the RCMP, is examining claims that the Centurion Project illegitimately acquired and utilized an electors list distributed to the Republican Party of Alberta. The investigation has led to the issuance of 566 cease and desist letters to individuals who accessed a database containing personal information of nearly three million Albertans.
Cease and Desist Letters Issued
- 566 cease and desist letters sent by Elections Alberta.
- 21 individuals asked to sign declarations ensuring compliance.
- Possible violations may incur fines up to $100,000 or jail time.
Alberta’s Republican Party leader, Cameron Davies, stated that his party is aiding the investigation and claimed no cease and desist letters have been issued to anyone in the party regarding the elector list.
Legal Consequences for Misuse
The Elections Act imposes severe penalties for misuse of the elector list. Offenders could face a fine of up to $100,000, one year of imprisonment, or both. Parker’s background includes a disciplinary record with Elections Alberta, with over $120,000 in fines levied against him and the Centurion Project for previous election finance law violations.
Parker’s Controversial Background
As the founder of the conservative grassroots organization Take Back Alberta (TBA), Parker has a history of legal issues related to election laws, including failing to report fundraising income and making false statements to election officials. Some findings from previous violations have been appealed, and certain matters have been forwarded to the crown for prosecution.
Backlash and Public Response
In light of these allegations, Parker has made several posts on social media asserting his innocence. He claimed on May 1 that he is fully complying with Elections Alberta’s regulations and dismissed allegations of mishandling voter data as false. Following a court order, the Centurion Project announced they had removed an application that contained sensitive voter information and maintained they were cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Calls for Accountability
The exposure of millions of Albertans’ personal information has ignited debates over the accountability of political entities. Legal experts are urging provinces to enforce stricter privacy laws regarding political parties’ reporting of data breaches, highlighting a need for increased transparency and protection of voter information.
In recent social media posts, Parker criticized Elections Alberta, labeling their actions against pro-separatist organizations as lawfare aimed at suppressing democratic processes. He and his legal counsel have yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the investigation.
