Alberta Separation campaigner accuses Taber of election interference

A digital billboard in the town of Taber is triggering debate and controversy, including claims of election interference.

The advertisement that was set up by a third-party advertisement group called Pathway to Independence, reads “Send Ottawa a message! Choose Alberta”

It prompted the town of Taber to release a statement last week claiming their digital signs are privately owned and that the town does not approve, review, select or control any advertisements that may be displayed. Adding that they’ve contacted the billboard owner on the matter without disclosing on what grounds.

However, Cory Morgan, who’s with Pathway to Independence, says the town ordered the owner to remove the ad, threatening to void his contract with the town.

“This is what looks to be a pretty clear-cut case of electoral interference by a level of government which is very serious and very problematic. You know, it’s not a case of a private company refusing to put up an ad or anything like that. This is a level of government telling a registered campaign it’s not allowed to advertise in their town.”

Cory Morgan says Pathway to Independence was recently registered with Elections Alberta and who’s primary purpose is to promote Option 2 of the 10th question in the upcoming October 19th Alberta referendum.

The questions will ask voters: “Should Alberta remain a province in Canada, or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?”

Morgan says as a registered advertiser during a campaign period, it’s not the place for what municipalities to say what or who may or may not advertise areas like private billboard advertisers. He has since put up another ad on a separate digital sign, and is actively pursuing a third in the town.

He adds he is readying a team of lawyers to take legal action in case the town continues to attempt to take his ads down. However, he adds that he doesn’t blame the owner of the sign if he decides to take down the advertainment in compliance with the Town of Taber.