Alberta separatists’ US outreach sparks national backlash

(Horizon Weekly / OTTAWA) – A wave of controversy is sweeping Canadian politics after reports emerged that representatives of an Alberta separatist group have met with U.S. government officials in Washington in recent months. According to financial news reporting, members of the far-right Alberta Prosperity Project held multiple meetings with U.S. State Department personnel and are seeking support for financial arrangements should Alberta pursue independence from Canada. The group’s legal counsel claimed access to senior American officials and said the movement hopes to secure substantial credit facilities to aid a future breakaway if a referendum proceeds. U.S. officials have responded that these interactions were routine meetings with civil society and that no commitments were made.

The meetings have inflamed political debate at home. British Columbia Premier David Eby labelled such outreach to a foreign government as tantamount to “treason,” arguing that seeking assistance from outside powers to dissolve the Canadian federation crosses a dangerous line. Eby called on provincial and federal leaders to defend Canadian sovereignty.

The separatist movement has gained attention as activists collect signatures for a petition that could trigger a referendum on whether Alberta should leave Canada. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said she is not herself a supporter of separation but indicated that if enough residents sign the petition, the province will put the question to voters in 2026. Smith’s government also made it easier to hold provincial referendums with recent legislation.

Political counterparts outside Alberta have weighed in. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, speaking earlier during debates over separatist sentiment, insisted that Canada must remain united and criticized talk of separation as divisive. He contrasted his position with Premier Smith’s, urging national unity while maintaining respect for provincial jurisdiction.

Support for outright independence in Alberta remains limited among the wider public, and federal authorities have emphasized that any discussion of province-level secession must follow constitutional processes. However, the involvement of foreign officials, even in informal talks, has sharpened the national focus on regional grievances and the broader question of Canada’s unity amid political and economic tensions.