Mark Carney has directly challenged the United States government, asserting that Canada expects full respect for its sovereignty following revelations of American official meetings with Alberta separatist groups. The Prime Minister made this declaration during a Thursday press conference after gathering with provincial leaders, noting he has maintained consistent clarity on sovereignty issues throughout all discussions with President Trump.
A Financial Times investigation brought to light the meetings between Alberta independence advocates and US government personnel. While the State Department confirmed the sessions occurred, officials described them as typical civil society meetings without substantive commitments. The revelation has nonetheless added strain to bilateral relations and sparked debate about the propriety of foreign government engagement with domestic separatist movements.
Alberta separatists are actively working toward collecting sufficient signatures for a fall sovereignty referendum. Premier Danielle Smith indicated that roughly 30% of Albertans currently support independence, attributing this sentiment to alienation created during Justin Trudeau’s ten-year tenure as prime minister. Smith suggested that federal policies during that period relentlessly attacked provincial interests, though she noted improvements under Carney’s administration.
Separatist leader Jeff Rath has been forthcoming about his group’s American connections, telling the Globe and Mail they have accessed the highest levels of US government and plan additional meetings in February. Rath expressed appreciation for supportive comments from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who called Alberta a natural partner. British Columbia Premier David Eby condemned these activities, likening them to treason against Canada.
Quebec presents another separatist challenge, with October elections potentially bringing the sovereigntist Parti Quebecois to power. Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has promised an independence referendum in his platform. Ontario Premier Doug Ford described such an outcome as a disaster, while Quebec Premier François Legault insisted the decision belongs to Quebecers alone. Legault noted that support for both a referendum and separation remains low in the province.