Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has taken a firm stand against the United States, publicly demanding that Washington respect his nation’s sovereignty after learning that American officials have been conducting meetings with Alberta separatists. During Thursday’s high-profile press conference with provincial leaders, Carney stated unequivocally that he expects the US Administration to honor Canadian territorial integrity, noting he has maintained unwavering clarity on this issue throughout all conversations with President Trump.
The diplomatic incident stems from a Financial Times investigation revealing previously undisclosed meetings between Alberta independence proponents and representatives of the US government. While the State Department confirmed these sessions occurred, officials sought to minimize their importance by describing them as standard civil society engagements where no formal commitments were established. Nevertheless, the disclosure has exacerbated tensions between the traditionally allied nations and sparked concerns about potential American meddling in Canada’s internal political matters.
Within Alberta, separatist organizers are aggressively pursuing signature collection for a fall referendum on provincial sovereignty. Premier Danielle Smith disclosed that current polling indicates roughly 30% of Albertans favor independence from Canada. She placed blame squarely on Justin Trudeau’s previous government, asserting that a decade of federal policies systematically alienated her province and created the conditions for separatist sentiment to flourish. Smith acknowledged that intergovernmental relations have shown marked improvement under Carney’s leadership.
Separatist movement spokesman Jeff Rath has made no attempt to conceal his organization’s American connections, boldly declaring to the Globe and Mail that his group has accessed the highest echelons of US governmental power and intends to return to Washington in February for additional discussions. Rath expressed appreciation for encouraging comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who characterized Alberta as a natural partner for American interests. In stark contrast, British Columbia’s Premier David Eby denounced the separatists’ activities as treasonous.
The Alberta situation represents only one dimension of Canada’s separatist challenges. Quebec faces provincial elections in October that could elevate the sovereigntist Parti Quebecois to power, with party leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon having committed to holding an independence referendum. Ontario Premier Doug Ford characterized such an outcome as catastrophic for Canadian unity, while Quebec Premier François Legault maintained that only Quebecers can make that determination. Legault provided some comfort by indicating that actual support for both a referendum and separation remains minimal in the province.