The Alberta Prosperity Project: A Comprehensive Analysis of Sovereignty, Policy, and Controversy

The Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) has emerged as a significant force in Alberta's political landscape, advocating for provincial sovereignty, economic independence, and a redefined relationship with Canada. Founded on principles of economic freedom, individual rights, and skepticism of federal overreach, the APP has galvanized support through campaigns for an Alberta Pension Plan (APP), critiques of climate policies, and calls for a sovereignty referendum. This report examines the APP’s origins, leadership, policy platforms, public reception, and controversies, drawing on recent developments and scholarly analyses to provide a nuanced understanding of its impact on Alberta and Canada.

The Alberta Prosperity Project was established in 2021 as a non-partisan educational society with the stated mission to protect Albertans’ “prosperity, interests, freedoms, rights, and self-determination”3. Central to its vision is the creation of a “Constitution of Alberta” that enshrines the “Supremacy of God” as foundational to civil society and the rule of law3. This ideological framework reflects a conservative worldview that prioritizes provincial autonomy, traditional values, and resistance to perceived federal encroachment.

The APP’s formation coincided with heightened tensions between Alberta and the federal government over energy policies, COVID-19 mandates, and fiscal arrangements. Its founders, including CEO Dr. Dennis Modry, argue that Alberta has been systematically disadvantaged within Confederation, citing the province’s historical over-contributions to federal programs like the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and equalization payments27. Modry, a former cardiovascular surgeon, has been a vocal critic of federal COVID-19 measures, framing them as violations of individual freedoms312.

Modry’s leadership has been pivotal to the APP’s growth. A retired surgeon, he has leveraged his medical background to critique public health policies, including vaccine mandates and lockdowns. In 2020, he authored an open letter to then-Premier Jason Kenney questioning the scientific basis of pandemic restrictions, which was later flagged by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta for containing unverified claims312. Modry’s rhetoric often intersects with conspiracy theories, including opposition to the World Economic Forum’s “Great Reset” and warnings about globalist agendas314.

Chris Scott, owner of the Whistle Stop Cafe and an APP board member, became a symbol of resistance to COVID-19 restrictions after defying public health orders in 2021312. His legal battles and advocacy have attracted support from anti-mandate groups, positioning the APP as a leader in the “freedom movement.” Scott’s webinars and public appearances emphasize individual liberty and skepticism of federal authority, themes that resonate with the APP’s base3.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has aligned herself with the APP’s objectives, attending its events and endorsing its calls for sovereignty. At a 2022 APP-hosted debate, Smith stated, “This is why I take your movement very, very seriously—and why Justin Trudeau should take it very, very seriously, too”3. This alliance has provided the APP with political legitimacy, though Smith has distanced herself from more radical elements, such as outright separation12.

1.

The APP’s proposal to replace the CPP with a provincial pension plan is its most concrete policy initiative. Proponents argue that Alberta’s demographic advantages—a younger population and higher wages—justify lower contribution rates (5.91% vs. CPP’s 9.54%) while maintaining or enhancing benefits47. According to a Lifeworks report commissioned by the province, Alberta could secure 53% of CPP assets ($334 billion) upon exit, enabling immediate savings of up to $2,850 annually per worker712.

Critics, however, question the feasibility of such a transfer. The federal government estimates Alberta’s share at 16% ($120 billion), and economists warn of administrative complexities, investment risks, and potential interprovincial litigation12. Polls indicate skepticism among Albertans, with 52% viewing CPP withdrawal as a “bad idea”4.

2.

The APP advocates using Alberta’s Citizens Initiative Act to force a referendum on sovereignty, requiring 600,000 signatures within 90 days25. The proposed referendum would empower the provincial government to renegotiate Alberta’s place in Canada, potentially leading to independence. APP materials frame this as a response to “progressive federal usurpation” of provincial authority, particularly in energy regulation and fiscal policy211.

3.

The APP rejects mainstream climate science, dismissing net-zero goals as “anti-human” and opposing federal emissions regulations312. In webinars, Modry and others have claimed CO2 is beneficial, citing disputed data that preindustrial levels were higher3. This stance aligns with the APP’s pro-fossil-fuel advocacy, which emphasizes Alberta’s role as a global energy supplier and critiques renewable subsidies as “green scams”311.

4.

The APP opposes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), framing it as a threat to provincial sovereignty. Modry has labeled UNDRIP part of a “socialist Marxist agenda” imposed by global elites312. This position has drawn criticism from Indigenous groups and legal scholars, who argue UNDRIP aligns with Canada’s constitutional obligations3.

The APP has mobilized a dedicated base through town halls, webinars, and partnerships with groups like Take Back Alberta12. However, its appeal remains concentrated among older, rural demographics. Recent events in Athabasca and Barrhead drew mostly seniors, with limited youth engagement—a demographic critical for long-term viability12.

The APP’s leadership has faced backlash for controversial statements. Modry’s claims about COVID-19 vaccines and population control have been debunked by health experts312, while Chris Scott’s legal troubles (e.g., defying health orders) have polarized public opinion3. Additionally, the APP’s ties to Rebel News and conspiracy theorists have raised concerns about its mainstream credibility312.

Alberta’s potential exit from the CPP would disrupt Canada’s interprovincial solidarity model. While proponents argue it would rectify historical inequities (Albertans have contributed $60 billion more to CPP than received7), opponents warn of destabilizing effects on national cohesion. A sovereign Alberta could also seek control over tax collection and resource royalties, challenging federal authority11.

Constitutional experts note that secession would require negotiations under the Clarity Act, a process fraught with political and legal challenges2. Even a sovereignty referendum could trigger investor uncertainty, particularly in Alberta’s energy sector11.

The Alberta Prosperity Project represents a confluence of economic grievance, ideological conservatism, and distrust of federalism. Its policy proposals—from pension reform to sovereignty referendums—reflect a broader movement toward provincial self-determination, albeit one facing significant practical and political barriers.

1. : Ottawa must address Alberta’s legitimate fiscal grievances while upholding national unity.

2. : The APP and critics should collaborate on independent analyses of the pension plan’s feasibility.

3. : The APP must broaden its appeal to younger Albertans to sustain its movement.

As Alberta navigates these tensions, the APP’s influence will hinge on its ability to balance idealism with pragmatic governance—a challenge that will shape not only the province’s future but Canada’s federal structure as a whole.

Citations:

1. https://sites.google.com/view/freedom-and-prosperity-project/home
2. https://albertaprosperityproject.com/alberta-prosperity-project-articles/the-process-to-force-a-referendum/
3. https://www.desmog.com/alberta-prosperity-project/
4. https://albertaprosperityproject.com/alberta-prosperity-project-articles/the-pros-and-cons-of-an-alberta-pension-plan-app/
5. https://www.change.org/p/alberta-referendum-for-sovereignty-intention-to-vote-yes
6. https://albertaprosperityproject.com
7. https://albertaprosperityproject.com/alberta-prosperity-project-articles/key-financial-benefits-of-an-alberta-pension-plan/
8. http://www.albertaprosperity.ca
9. https://albertaprosperityproject.com/uncategorized/empowering-sovereign-albertans-through-the-strength-of-families/
10. https://www.lakelandtoday.ca/beyond-local/alberta-prosperity-project-makes-two-stops-in-northern-albert-to-talk-pension-9122135
11. https://albertaprosperityproject.com/alberta-prosperity-project-articles/albertas-sovereignty-the-solution-to-growing-trade-uncertainty/
12. https://www.stalbertgazette.com/beyond-local/alberta-prosperity-project-makes-two-stops-in-northern-albert-to-talk-pension-9122135
13. https://albertaprosperityproject.com/tag/referendum/
14. https://albertaprosperityproject.com/alberta-pension/
15. https://albertaprosperityproject.com/category/alberta-pension/
16. https://ca.linkedin.com/company/albertaprosperityproject
17. https://albertaprosperityproject.com/education
18. https://x.com/ABProsperityPrj/status/1898028616283218109
19. https://x.com/ABProsperityPrj/status/1894020264461033727
20. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/albertaprosperityproject_albertaeconomy-pensionreform-albertaprosperityproject-activity-7274438185080774656-djYg