Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urges US officials to respect Canada’s sovereignty following reports that Alberta separatists met members of the Trump administration.
Speaking after discussions with provincial premiers, Carney says he has been clear with President Donald Trump that Canada expects its territorial integrity to be respected. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith echoes the message, saying decisions about the province’s democratic future belong to Albertans and Canadians alone.
The response follows a report by the Financial Times that Alberta separatist figures recently held meetings with US officials to discuss the possibility of the province leaving Canada. The revelations spark sharp criticism from several Canadian leaders.
British Columbia Premier David Eby condemns the outreach, calling any request for foreign assistance in breaking up Canada “treason.” His remarks draw a backlash from separatist supporter Jeffrey Rath, who dismisses the comments as “stupid.”
Rath, co-founder of the Alberta Prosperity Project, tells the BBC that his group has travelled to Washington three times in the past year as private citizens on what he describes as a “fact-finding” mission. He says discussions included a feasibility study on a potential $500bn line of credit if Alberta were to separate, while insisting no funding was requested. He declines to name the officials involved.
A White House official says US administration figures regularly meet civil society groups but stresses no support or commitments were offered to Alberta separatists.
The issue emerges as Canada’s premiers gather in Ottawa ahead of sensitive trade talks with the United States, including a review of the US-Canada-Mexico Agreement. Smith says she will raise Alberta’s concerns directly with US officials but maintains her government supports a strong Alberta within Canada.
Separatist sentiment has grown in Alberta amid long-standing frustrations with Ottawa over energy development. While activists are collecting signatures that could trigger a referendum, polls suggest separation remains unlikely, with most Albertans favouring continued unity with Canada.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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