Elections Alberta Investigates Voter List Misuse as Separatist Organizer Refuses to Comply

Elections Alberta says a prominent separatist political organizer is refusing to cooperate with an ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of the province’s voters list, escalating concerns about privacy, data security, and political accountability in Alberta.

Chief electoral officer Gordon McClure confirmed that David Parker, a key figure linked to the pro-separatist Centurion Project, has declined to sign a statutory declaration agreeing to comply with directives to stop using the electoral database and has not confirmed he will cease access to the information.

Parker’s lawyer, Chad Williamson, said his client will not sign the declaration, arguing that Elections Alberta lacks the authority to compel compliance and calling the agency’s claims a “fictional narrative.” He added that asserting constitutional rights against state action is not defiance but a legal safeguard.

The Centurion Project, a political initiative associated with Alberta separatism advocacy, is under investigation alongside Elections Alberta, the province’s privacy commissioner, and the RCMP over alleged improper access and use of a list containing personal data of nearly three million registered voters.

Authorities say hundreds of cease-and-desist notices have already been issued to individuals believed to have accessed an online database containing the information. Investigators are also seeking statutory declarations from users who may have received the data through the Centurion Project network.

Parker has been a controversial figure in Alberta politics, previously leading the grassroots organization Take Back Alberta, which was fined over election finance violations. Those penalties included breaches related to fundraising reporting, advertising limits, and false statements, with fines exceeding $120,000.

Elections officials say the current investigation focuses on whether voter information was improperly obtained, distributed, or used for political organizing. Under Alberta’s Election Act, violations involving misuse of voter data can carry penalties of up to $100,000 in fines, a prison term of up to one year, or both.

McClure said the agency issued 566 cease-and-desist letters to individuals who created accounts to access the database. He also confirmed that 21 individuals identified as receiving the data from the Centurion Project were asked to formally confirm compliance with the order to stop using the information.

The Republican Party of Alberta has said it is cooperating with authorities, while also disputing claims that all individuals involved were formally contacted by Elections Alberta.

The Centurion Project itself has said it removed its application after a court order and claimed it purchased data from a third party, while volunteers used the platform to identify potential supporters.

The controversy has intensified political tensions in the province, particularly around the growing separatist movement. Some affiliated groups, including the Alberta Prosperity Project and Stay Free Alberta, have also been active in collecting signatures and promoting a referendum on Alberta’s future within Canada.

Opposition leaders say the case raises serious concerns about democratic safeguards. Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi warned that the alleged misuse of voter data reflects a broader breakdown in political accountability and electoral oversight.

He also questioned whether provincial leadership has taken a strong enough stance against separatist organizing, arguing that stronger enforcement is needed to protect voter privacy.

Premier Danielle Smith said Elections Alberta has taken appropriate steps, including launching investigations and notifying law enforcement, and described the process as functioning as intended. She said any legislative changes would be considered once investigations conclude.

As the inquiry continues, officials emphasize that protecting voter information remains central to maintaining public trust in Alberta’s electoral system, particularly as political tensions around separatism continue to grow.

Courtesy: CBC