Carney Cautions US To Honor Canadian Sovereignty Following Alberta Separatist Discussions

Carney cautions the US to respect Canadian sovereignty in light of news that separatists in Alberta met with Trump administration officials overseas.

Mark Carney, the prime minister of Canada, calls on US authorities to respect Canada’s sovereignty in light of news that separatists in Alberta met with Trump administration officials.

Speaking after conversations with province 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 concerning the province’s democratic future belong to Albertans and Canadians alone.

The reaction follows a revelation by the Financial Times that Alberta separatist figures recently held discussions with US officials to explore the potential of the province quitting Canada. The disclosures prompt harsh criticism from various Canadian leaders.

British Columbia Premier David Eby opposes the outreach, calling any appeal for foreign assistance in breaking up Canada “treason.” His words provoke a rebuke from separatist backer Jeffrey Rath, who dismisses the accusations as “stupid.”

As a private citizen, Rath, co-founder of the Alberta Prosperity Project, tells the BBC that his group has visited Washington three times in the last year on what he refers to as a “fact-finding” journey. He says conversations included a feasibility study on a hypothetical $500bn line of credit if Alberta were to separate, while stressing no financing was solicited. He declines to name the officials involved.

A White House official said US administration representatives often engage civil society groups but stressed no assistance or guarantees were provided to Alberta separatists.

In advance of delicate trade negotiations with the United States, which include a review of the US-Canada-Mexico Agreement, the matter comes up as Canada’s premiers convene in Ottawa. Smith says she will discuss Alberta’s concerns directly with US officials but insists her government supports a strong Alberta inside Canada.

Alberta’s long-standing frustrations with Ottawa over petroleum development have led to an increase in separatist ism. While organizers are gathering signatures that might spark a referendum, polls suggest independence remains unlikely, with most Albertans favoring continued unity with Canada.