Artur Pawlowski out as leader of the Alberta Independence Party
The Alberta Independence Party, a political party that aims to reduce the province's reliance on the federal government has parted ways with its leader, Calgary street pastor Artur Pawlowski.
In a social media post, the organization said it made the decision after "serious consideration and deliberation" and was because Pawlowski no longer represented the party's views correctly.
"The Independence Party has a party platform and policies that reflect the hope of Albertans as an independent nation," the party said on Twitter.
"Art Pawlowski has not reflected this vision in a way that properly aligns with what the party and our platform need to convey and communicate to Albertans."
'COULD NOT SUBMIT'
Pawlowski says the Independence Party's decision was given to him on March 28 – his 50th birthday.
In a Facebook statement, he accused the party of "spearheading" an attack on him and his religious beliefs.
"For months the board was bombarding me and demanding that I stop talking about God, moral principles and true freedom and independence. I was told multiple times that I cannot talk about grooming of children, drag queen shows, abortion and corruption in our present government," he said.
He added that he "could not submit" to the party's demands and was told that he could no longer be the leader of the party.
"I never had, nor ever will, abandon my faith and moral standards. I have been and always will fight for everyone’s freedom even if I disagree with someone else’s life choices. I expected the same from this party."
Pawlowski was most recently in a Lethbridge courtroom where he is on trial for allegedly breaching a release order and mischief for inciting the protesters involved in the Coutts border dispute in February 2022.
The court heard evidence that Pawlowski told the gathering that they had the power in the situation and they should not lose their momentum with their protest.
Pawlowski has maintained his innocence, telling the court that he was only encouraging a peaceful protest.
Prosecutors said the trial has nothing to do with political speech and is instead about the offence of inciting others to commit crimes.
The process to replace Pawlowski as leader is not immediately known, but the party says it hopes the future leader "will communicate hope, unity and preservation of a strong and patriotic voice for all Albertans."
In a statement to CTV News Wednesday, Pawlowski said his departure from the Independence Party was not necessarily "a bad thing."
"I have no intention of stopping to represent Albertans, not just a few individuals that want to control what we are allowed and not allowed to say."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy
Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.