Former MLA Barnes set to help launch Alberta Now federal party

Federal party registration requires at least 250 verified signatures and several other criteria.

Barnes said the group expects to be fully registered by mid-January, following a verification process that he understands will take four to six weeks.

The party plans to hold an annual general meeting in Medicine Hat, with a virtual option for people unable to attend in person.

Members will develop its policies, strategy and initial bylaws before a leadership race in late spring.

Barnes said he has not yet determined what role he will seek in the party.

“My role at this point is to make sure on Remembrance Day, we submit as many membership registrations as possible,” he said.

The idea for Alberta Now began taking shape about three years ago, after Barnes decided not to seek another term as a provincial MLA.

He said he saw a gap in federal representation for Albertans and believed a party focused exclusively on the province could help address it.

The party intends to run candidates only in Alberta’s 37 federal ridings, following a model similar to the Bloc Québécois, which runs candidates only in Quebec.

Barnes said Alberta Now would not allow its votes in Parliament to be directed for the benefit of other regions.

“We will not allow our vote to be whipped for the benefit of Eastern Canada, Quebec or the Maritimes and Albertans will have a voice in Ottawa,” he said.

He pointed to the results of the most recent federal election, when the Conservatives won 34 of Alberta’s 37 seats but did not form government, as an example of why he believes the province needs a dedicated federal voice.

Barnes described Alberta Now as a party focused on smaller government, lower taxes, economic freedom and resource development.

He said the party is not necessarily separatist, but would remain open to whatever arrangement its supporters believe is in Alberta’s best interests.

“Alberta Now is a visionary party,” Barnes said.

“Our vision is that Alberta should be the pre-eminent, most prosperous place in all of North America. And if that’s within Canada, or that’s without Canada, either is fine.”

Barnes said the recent referendum debate and calls for a stronger Alberta voice helped create momentum for the new party.

He also said interest has come from people across the province, with about six to eight people involved on the founding committee.

Along with Barnes, he identified C.W. Alexander from central Alberta and Zach Sawatzky from Medicine Hat as two of the main people currently helping drive the effort.

Barnes said the group has also heard from dozens of Albertans interested in getting involved.

If registration is completed as planned, the party expects to hold its Medicine Hat annual general meeting in March before moving toward a leadership contest in late spring.

Barnes said that once officially established, the Alberta Now party would be prepared to run a candidate if a federal by-election were called.

by Jesse Gill

Former MLA Barnes set to help launch Alberta Now federal party

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