Taking Back Alberta? Questions surround right-wing group and its political power
If you're not yet familiar with Take Back Alberta, you likely will be soon.
The group, commonly referred to as TBA, is a registered third-party advertiser and bills itself as a way to get people involved in democracy.
Political watchers say its reach extends much further than that.
"They really are the power behind the throne of the UCP and I think that'll become more apparent once the election is over, if the UCP are victorious,” alleged Duane Bratt, political scientist at Mount Royal University. "Instead of trying to start a third party, they are taking over from within."
TBA was started last year by long-time right-wing activist David Parker. It began as a way to push back against COVID-19 measures, but has since drastically grown.
It now takes credit for removing Jason Kenney from his post as premier and electing Danielle Smith.
Members have ties to the Coutts border blockade and the Ottawa convoy.
The self-proclaimed "freedom loving" group has also taken over other grassroots organizations and parts of the United Conservative Party.
Leaders say they currently occupy half of all UCP board positions, and the group is expected to put forth its own right-leaning candidates in Alberta's next election.
"They are willing to put in the time and effort to show up to nomination meetings," Bratt said. "They are putting in the time and effort to take over constituency boards and take over the UCP executive. And the several million Albertans who are going to vote on May 29 are not doing these types of things."
JUST 'EDUCATIONAL,' SAYS LEADER
TBA's executive director tells CTV News his group is easier to define.
"(We're) an educational organization that teaches people how their political system works and how they can get engaged with it," Parker said.
He says TBA is only mobilizing voters, not influencing sitting politicians.
"There's not any direct connection with the government, we just encourage people to get involved with the government," Parker said. "I don't think there's any evidence that I'm pulling any puppet strings. I'm advocating very loudly and publicly for policy positions: that's what democracy is."
Some have linked the group to plans for privately delivered health care and education.
Parker wouldn't elaborate.
And there is an air of secrecy around how exactly the organization works.
The executive director wouldn't say how many members Take Back Alberta has, but it could be as high as tens of thousands: the majority believed to be rural.
Its financials -- which can't be used to advertise but can indirectly help conservative campaigns -- are also unknown.
"(The fundraising) is to make sure things work properly, to make sure David has gas in his truck to move from meeting to meeting, (because) gas isn't cheap," Marco Van Huigenbos, TBA CFO, said. "I would say 99 per cent of all donations are the $10 to $100 donations. People care enough to give."
Political watchers dispute that claim, even tying TBA to large out-of-province donors.
Van Huigenbos says he doesn't understand why.
"The biggest name connected to this is David Parker."
Van Huigenbos was a Coutts border protester and Fort Macleod town councillor. He's one of three individuals charged with mischief over $5,000 in connection to the blockade.
'MYSTERIOUS' ORGANIZATION
Bratt isn't alone in calling Take Back Alberta "mysterious."
Despite claims from Parker that "anyone is welcome to come," CTV News was denied entrance into two Wednesday night meetings.
That meant no answers to questions about how TBA will utilize its base -- believed to be in the thousands -- in the lead-up to May's election.
Literature handed out to attendees asked for help door knocking, making calls, posting signs and even praying.
The largest goal? Stopping Rachel Notley and her so-called "socialist agenda."
"There's a lot that we don't know, and a lot of this stuff isn't going to come out until after the election," Bratt said.
"A lot of Albertans don't really know what's at stake here."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein's 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial
New York’s highest court on Thursday overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, finding the judge at the landmark #MeToo trial prejudiced the ex-movie mogul with improper rulings, including a decision to let women testify about allegations that weren’t part of the case.
BREAKING Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: jobs report
The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Secret $70M Lotto Max winners break their silence
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.
Remains from a mother-daughter cold case were found nearly 24 years later, after a deathbed confession from the suspect
A West Virginia father is getting some sense of closure after authorities found the remains of his young daughter and her mother following a deathbed confession from the man believed to have fatally shot them nearly two decades ago.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Metro Vancouver mayors call for serial killer Robert Pickton to be denied parole
A dozen mayors from around Metro Vancouver say federal Attorney General and Justice Minister Arif Virani should deny parole for notorious B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton, and reassess the parole and sentencing system for 'prolific offenders and mass murderers.'
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.