Sinclair Calls UCP Lawsuit a Veiled Attack on Democracy

Scott Sinclair, the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Lesser Slave Lake, has publicly denounced a lawsuit filed against him by the United Conservative Party (UCP), characterizing it as an attempt to stifle political expression. In a statement released on November 20, Sinclair asserted that the legal action is not genuinely concerned with trademark issues but is instead a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), intended to intimidate and suppress democratic discourse.

A SLAPP, according to the University of Calgary, is a civil claim designed specifically to silence political expression rather than to address an underlying legal grievance. Sinclair’s comments came in response to a lawsuit initiated by the UCP on November 7, which targets not only him but also the Alberta Party and fellow MLA Peter Guthrie of Airdrie-Cochrane. Sinclair stated, “This is about intimidation and suppressing democracy; the UCP is attempting to delay our new Alberta Progressive Conservative movement from getting off the ground.”

He further elaborated on the implications of the lawsuit, claiming it serves as a warning to those who challenge the government. “Attempts to pressure or muzzle elected officials will not work,” he emphasized, advocating for a government that encourages debate rather than one that fears dissent. Sinclair has previously faced repercussions within the UCP, including removal from caucus, which he linked to his advocacy for the interests of his constituents in Northern Alberta.

Sinclair’s remarks in the Alberta Legislature on November 19 highlighted the personal and regional impact of the lawsuit. He expressed concern that the legal action is a deliberate attack on both his political career and the interests of the people he represents. He described the lawsuit as a means of intimidation, stating, “I paid a heavy price for standing up for the people of Lesser Slave Lake. Now my riding is being targeted for elimination.”

The UCP maintains that the lawsuit is justified, arguing that the 2017 merger between the UCP and the Progressive Conservatives (PC) grants them copyright over the PC name. In a statement reported by CBC on November 17, Dave Prisco, the UCP’s Director of Communications, asserted that Sinclair and Guthrie were never members of the PC, and accused them of attempting to claim a legacy they did not build.

Sinclair, however, remains resolute about the future of the Alberta Progressive Conservatives, stating that many Albertans are seeking a political alternative to the UCP. He believes that the Alberta PC party can fulfill that role, asserting, “The UCP may continue to delay our ability to use the Alberta PC name, but Albertans already understand what it represents.”

Despite the stress the lawsuit has caused him and his family, Sinclair concluded his statement with a call for justice, expressing anticipation for a court ruling on what he terms a “frivolous lawsuit.” As this legal battle unfolds, the implications for political discourse and democratic engagement in Alberta continue to resonate among constituents and political observers alike.