British Columbia Premier David Eby has condemned Alberta separatists engaging with the U.S. administration and soliciting financial support, labeling it as an act of “treason.” The issue of national sovereignty was a focal point during a meeting between the premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa.
Eby criticized the reported meetings between members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and the Alberta Prosperity Project, a separatist group advocating for Alberta’s independence. The group is reportedly seeking a $500 billion US line of credit from the U.S. Treasury to fund their potential new country in case of a successful referendum.
Despite confirmation of the meetings by a U.S. State Department official, who mentioned no commitments were made, Eby emphasized the inappropriateness of seeking external assistance to destabilize Canada. He stressed the importance of respecting Canada’s unity and sovereignty, urging against seeking foreign support to break up the country.
In response to Eby’s remarks, Alberta Prosperity Project co-founder Jeffrey Rath criticized the Premier, dismissing his comments as “defamatory.” Rath accused Eby of engaging in a “childish temper tantrum” and undermining his credibility with insults.
Amidst escalating tensions, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith reiterated her support for a strong and sovereign Alberta within Canada. She emphasized the need for discussions about Alberta’s democratic processes to remain within the country and pledged to address the issue with delegates in Washington and Ottawa.
During the meeting, Carney emphasized the importance of respecting Canadian sovereignty and refrained from commenting specifically on the cross-border meetings. He highlighted the need for collaboration rather than divisive actions, stating that discussions with President Trump have not broached the topics of Alberta or Quebec sovereignty.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford echoed Eby’s sentiments, urging Smith to take a firm stand against separatist movements. Meanwhile, the Alberta independence movement is actively gathering signatures to trigger a potential referendum, with a senior Trump adviser expressing support for Alberta’s independence.
While there is vocal support for independence, recent polls indicate that the pro-independence sentiment remains a minority position in Alberta. The possibility of a third Quebec referendum also looms, with Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon promising a referendum if he wins the provincial election.
In light of these developments, concerns have been raised about potential foreign interference in sovereignty referendums, with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service preparing for such scenarios. CSIS recognizes the vulnerability posed by information operations and interference in the context of independence movements in Alberta and Quebec.