Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly urged the United States government to respect Canadian sovereignty following revelations that officials from the Trump administration held secret talks with a group of Alberta separatists, drawing concern in Ottawa over foreign interference, according to reports.
Carney, speaking at a press conference in Ottawa alongside provincial leaders, said he “expects the US administration to respect Canadian sovereignty” and stressed that he has made this clear in his discussions with US President Donald Trump. He added that Trump has never raised the issue of Alberta separatism with him directly.
The meetings in question were reportedly held in Washington between officials from the U.S. State Department and members of the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), a group advocating a future referendum on Alberta’s independence from Canada, reported News 18. According to reports, APP leaders met US officials multiple times and may seek further talks to request a US$500 billion credit facility to support an independent Alberta should a referendum move forward.
The reported engagement has triggered sharp criticism from Canadian political leaders. British Columbia Premier David Eby condemned the separatists’ outreach to US officials as “treason”, asserting that seeking foreign support to break up Canada is inappropriate, reported Toronto Star.
Alberta’s own Premier, Danielle Smith, has reiterated her support for Alberta remaining within Canada but acknowledged frustration among some residents over federal policies, particularly those affecting the province’s energy sector, reported Bloomberg. She echoed calls for US officials to confine themselves to supporting Alberta’s democratic processes without interfering in Canada’s internal affairs.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also became part of the controversy after comments describing Albertans as “very independent people” and a “natural partner for the US.” These remarks have intensified debate on both sides of the border about international engagement and national unity.
The incident comes at a sensitive moment in Canada–US relations, already strained by trade disputes and political rhetoric. Ottawa has emphasized that any discussions about Alberta’s future should remain strictly within the Canadian democratic framework.
Alberta’s estrangement from Canada did not emerge overnight, know the backdrop
The province is a major oil-and-gas producer. But as per several media reports many residents believe that federal rules made in Ottawa limit Alberta’s ability to develop its resources and grow its economy. Reportedly, such residents with separatist feeling have argued that national climate and energy policies, pipeline constraints and perceptions of unfair taxation have repeatedly not done justice to the province.
Separatism in Alberta gained renewed visibility after the 2025 Liberal election victory, according to a News 18 report. “For Albertans who already felt disconnected from national politics, the result signalled that the country would continue along a political path they did not share. According to US-based news outlet Politico, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has argued that earlier federal governments “relentlessly” attacked Alberta’s oil-based economy, fuelling what she describes as “legitimate grievances,” the report states.
“Alberta now has a legal tool that allows citizens to force a vote on major constitutional questions. Under the province’s Citizen Initiative Act, residents can trigger a referendum if they gather enough signatures. The Alberta Prosperity Project is now using this mechanism, seeking roughly 178,000 signatures to compel a province-wide vote on sovereignty,” the report reads.
