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It also funded a program to help persecuted LGBTQ Iranians who are seeking asylum to find refuge to live free and equal in dignity and rights — a cause UCP leader Jason Kenney supported as federal immigration minister.

But Tides also funds research, education and organizing against what it calls “dirty fuels and pipelines.”

Progress Alberta, which describes itself as an “independent non-profit dedicated to building a more progressive Alberta,” was one of a handful of non-profits across Canada that received funds for that purpose, accepting $38,559 in 2016 and $24,284 in 2017.

In a letter sent to election commissioner Lorne Gibson on Dec. 20, Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills UCP MLA Nathan Cooper alleged that Progress Alberta receives the foreign cash, then recycles it back into an account to pay for political advertising.

To do so would be in contravention of Alberta’s third-party finance rules.

“It’s widely accepted that Progress Alberta speaks on behalf of the NDP,” Cooper said, adding it would be “extremely disturbing if they’re taking money from a foundation that’s working against our energy industry.”

Progress Alberta executive director Duncan Kinney said all advertising expenses have been logged with Elections Alberta as the law requires.

He hasn’t yet heard from the election commissioner, but said his organization will co-operate should there be an investigation.

“We’ve been in regular contact with Elections Alberta with the work we do, and we’re not concerned in any way,” he said.

egraney@postmedia.com

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