RCMP probing allegations that Alberta separatist organization accessed, distributed electors list

The RCMP is investigating allegations that a separatist organization in Alberta improperly accessed and distributed personal information from the province’s list of electors, which contains data on 2.9 million residents. The inquiry began after a member of the New Democratic Party flagged potential misuse of Elections Alberta’s voter list. Authorities are working with other law enforcement agencies to determine whether any offences were committed in the handling or dissemination of this sensitive information. Elections Alberta has accused the Centurion Project, a separatist group advocating for Alberta’s independence, of using the Republican Party of Alberta’s copy of the electors list without authorization. While registered political parties are permitted access to the list under strict conditions outlined in the Election Act, third-party organizations like the Centurion Project are prohibited from obtaining it. The Centurion Project reportedly distributed elector data through an app designed to identify support for Alberta’s separation, which was shut down following a court injunction issued by Justice John Little of the Court of King’s Bench. The court order also temporarily barred the Republican Party of Alberta from sharing the list of electors. Legal representatives for Elections Alberta stated that the data used by the Centurion Project originated from the Republican Party’s copy of the list. Both the Centurion Project and the Republican Party have indicated their willingness to cooperate with ongoing investigations. The elector list includes personal details such as identification numbers and addresses, making it a valuable resource for political campaigns to target potential voters and assess support. This investigation highlights concerns over the misuse of sensitive voter information amid growing separatist sentiment in Alberta. The province’s separatist movement is currently pushing to include a question on independence in a government referendum scheduled for October 19. The case underscores the legal and ethical challenges surrounding data privacy and political campaigning in the context of regional political tensions.