Prime Minister Mark Carney has delivered a forceful message to the United States, demanding respect for Canadian sovereignty following explosive revelations that American officials have been meeting with Alberta separatist groups. Speaking at a Thursday press conference after consulting with provincial leaders, Carney made his position unmistakably clear, stating he expects the US Administration to honor Canada’s territorial integrity. The Prime Minister emphasized that he has consistently maintained this stance in all his discussions with President Donald Trump.
The controversy erupted after the Financial Times published a report exposing meetings between Alberta independence advocates and US government representatives. The US State Department acknowledged these encounters but attempted to downplay their significance, characterizing them as routine engagements with civil society groups where no commitments were made. Despite these assurances, the revelation has intensified already fragile relations between the two neighboring nations and raised serious questions about American interference in Canadian domestic affairs.
Alberta separatists are currently mobilizing efforts to collect sufficient signatures for a sovereignty referendum planned for this fall. Premier Danielle Smith, who stood alongside Carney at the press conference, revealed that approximately 30% of Albertans currently support independence. She pointed directly at former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decade-long administration, claiming the province endured relentless attacks from Ottawa that fueled current alienation sentiments. Smith noted that federal-provincial relations have improved considerably since Carney took office.
The separatist movement’s leader, Jeff Rath, has been remarkably open about his group’s Washington connections, telling the Globe and Mail that they have secured meetings at the highest levels of the US government and plan to return in February for continued talks. Rath enthusiastically welcomed supportive rhetoric from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who described Alberta as a “natural partner.” British Columbia Premier David Eby condemned these actions in the harshest terms, comparing the separatists’ behavior to treason against Canada.
Canada faces multiple separatist challenges beyond Alberta. Quebec’s October provincial elections could bring the sovereigntist Parti Quebecois to power, with leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon having pledged an independence referendum. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called such a scenario a disaster for the nation, though current Quebec Premier François Legault insisted the decision belongs exclusively to Quebecers. Legault offered some reassurance by noting that support for both a referendum and actual separation remains quite low in the predominantly French-speaking province.