Prime Minister Mark Carney is reinforcing Canada’s position against United States engagement with separatist groups, demanding respect for sovereignty after revelations of American official meetings with Alberta independence advocates. Speaking at Thursday’s press conference following provincial leader meetings, Carney stated his unequivocal expectation that the US Administration will honor Canada’s territorial integrity, noting unwavering consistency in his communications with President Trump.
The diplomatic incident emerged from a Financial Times exposé revealing meetings between Alberta independence supporters and US government representatives. Despite State Department confirmation accompanied by characterizations of routine civil society engagement without commitments, the disclosure has sparked widespread concern about foreign interference in Canadian internal affairs. The situation has further complicated an already challenging bilateral relationship.
Within Alberta, separatist campaigners are mobilizing to collect signatures for an autumn sovereignty referendum. Premier Danielle Smith disclosed that support for independence stands at approximately 30% among Albertans, directing responsibility for this alienation toward former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration. Smith claimed that a decade of federal policies attacked the province’s interests, though she acknowledged markedly improved relations since Carney assumed the prime ministership.
Jeff Rath, heading the separatist movement, has been transparent about his group’s Washington engagement, confirming to the Globe and Mail meetings at the highest US government levels with plans to return in February for continued dialogue. Rath welcomed supportive language from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who characterized Alberta as a natural partner. British Columbia Premier David Eby took a harsh stance, comparing the separatists’ activities to treason against Canada.
Canada faces multiple separatist pressures beyond Alberta. Quebec’s October provincial elections could bring the sovereigntist Parti Quebecois to power, with leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon having committed to an independence referendum. Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned this would be disastrous for national unity, while Quebec Premier François Legault maintained that only Quebecers can make that decision. Legault provided reassurance by noting minimal support for both a referendum and actual separation in Quebec.