Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney said he expects U.S. President Donald Trump to «respect Canadian sovereignty» after the Financial Times reported that U.S. State Department officials met with leaders of a group seeking Alberta’s separation from Canada on several occasions, CNN reported.
The group, called the Alberta Prosperity Project, has been advocating for a referendum on Alberta’s independence and has reportedly discussed requesting a $500 billion credit line from the U.S. to «support the transition to a free and independent Alberta.»
Although the White House said that «administration officials meet with a number of civil society groups and no support or commitments were conveyed,» the reports have sparked anger in Canada. The leader of British Columbia, for example, compared the outreach by the Alberta-based group to «treason.»
With a population of about 5 million, Alberta is an oil-rich province in western Canada and home to well-known tourist destinations such as Banff and Lake Louise.
Alberta has strong energy and agricultural sectors and is known for its conservative political leanings. Many of its politicians maintain good relationships with U.S. Republicans and with Trump, whom some have praised as «North America’s best asset.»
Supporters of Alberta separatism argue that the federal government’s climate policies are holding back the province’s oil industry. They also say Alberta pays more in federal taxes than it receives in return, and that its conservative values are overshadowed by those of the more liberal and populous eastern provinces. As a result, they feel their interests are poorly represented in Ottawa.
Many supporters of the motto «Make Alberta Great Again» back the idea of the province leaving Canada. Some have even called for Alberta to join the U.S.
However, the separatist movement currently lacks a clear leader or a structured campaign. According to Michael Solberg, a partner at New West Public Affairs, it is «driven by a handful of outspoken activists and mostly amplified online.» None of the separatist parties currently holds seats in the Alberta legislature. I
In Canada’s history, there have been two referendums on provincial independence. Both involved French-speaking Quebec, which ultimately chose to remain part of the federation. Still, with some encouragement, a referendum in Alberta is very possible, the expert said.
