Paul Hinman fighting claim he's been removed as Wildrose Independence leader
A man who insists he's still the leader of an Alberta separatist party says an effort to push him out, amid allegations of theft, is being led by "agents" who have infiltrated the board.
A statement on the website of the Wildrose Independence Party of Alberta (WIPA) states that the leadership role was vacant as of Monday, but Paul Hinman says the job is still his.
"We have a board that's gone AWOL. They've hijacked the party, they're contravening all of our bylaws, and procedures and policies, and it's just wrong. They can't do that," Hinman told CTV News Edmonton Wednesday night.
The post does not say why Hinman is no longer leader. An email to board president Rick Northey and the party's communications account was not responded to.
"Under the Party bylaws, the Board of Governors has the duty of appointing an Interim Leader and will make an announcement within the next seven days," WIPA's website stated.
Hinman believes the board voted in favour of removing him, but insists that's not the proper process. He said allegations he took party money he wasn't supposed to are false.
"Where's the evidence on this? You can make allegations against anybody but you have to bring the evidence and not just say, 'Oh, he stole money.' That has no credibility in any court," he said.
The party is set to meet on July 23 in Red Deer for an annual general meeting. Hinman has spoken to his lawyer, and is hopeful he'll have a chance to state his case to members at that meeting.
When asked why he's being pushed out, Hinman said some in political circles don't like the party's stated goal of independence for Alberta.
"There's a lot at stake if Alberta was to rise up and say, "We don't want to be part of this anymore," Hinman said.
"I think there's a lot of nefarious activities going on to undermine our movement and we have implants, plants, agents inside our board, I believe."
Hinman finished third in a March byelection in Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche with 11 per cent of the vote.
The party raised $114,829 in 2021, according to statements filed with Elections Alberta.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
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.
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.
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.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.