A separatist movement in Alberta, Canada, is seeking assistance from the Trump administration to pursue independence, leading to heightened tensions between the US and Canada as Canadian leaders condemn the outreach as a threat to sovereignty. The Alberta Prosperity Project, a grassroots group advocating for Alberta’s secession, has held multiple meetings with US State Department officials since last April, discussing a potential $500 billion line of credit to support an independent Alberta. These discussions were revealed in recent reports, sparking a diplomatic row.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded by urging the US to “respect Canadian sovereignty,” emphasizing his clear stance in communications with President Trump. Meanwhile, British Columbia Premier David Eby escalated the rhetoric, calling the separatists’ actions “treason” for seeking foreign help to break up the country. The White House downplayed the meetings, stating that administration officials routinely engage with civil society groups without conveying support or commitments.
The separatist push is rooted in long-standing grievances in Alberta, an oil-rich province often at odds with the federal government in Ottawa. Albertans have felt marginalized by policies perceived as harming their energy industry, such as climate change initiatives, and believe they contribute more in taxes than they receive in benefits. This “western alienation” has intensified under Liberal leadership and during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueling calls for greater autonomy or outright independence.
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has galvanized the movement, with some separatists viewing him as a potential ally. At rallies, supporters have worn “Make Alberta Great Again” hats, echoing Trump’s campaign slogans, and a minority have even advocated for Alberta to join the United States as the 51st state. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added fuel to the fire by describing Alberta as a “natural partner” and suggesting the US could facilitate oil exports, though he clarified that no formal support was offered.
Despite the heightened activity, support for independence remains relatively low among Albertans. A January poll by Pollara Strategic Insights found only 19% would vote for secession, with some indicating their support is symbolic, aimed at pressuring Ottawa for better terms within Canada. However, separatist groups are actively collecting signatures for a petition that could force a referendum as early as this fall, following a provincial law passed last year that streamlined the process.
The path to secession is fraught with legal and practical challenges. No Canadian province has successfully seceded, and the process would involve complex negotiations over assets, borders, and international treaties. Indigenous communities, whose treaties predate Alberta’s establishment, have raised concerns about their rights, leading to provisions in the referendum bill to protect them. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, while not endorsing secession, has refrained from condemning the movement, calling its grievances “legitimate” and focusing on provincial empowerment.
The situation underscores the strained US-Canada relationship under Trump, who has previously threatened tariffs and territorial annexation. It comes at a sensitive time, as both nations engage in trade talks involving the US-Canada-Mexico agreement. The outcome could influence domestic politics in Canada, where unity is being tested, and in the US, where Trump’s approach to foreign allies remains contentious. As tensions simmer, the focus will be on whether the referendum materializes and how both governments navigate this unprecedented challenge to Canadian federalism.
