Reports have emerged indicating that officials from the Trump administration engaged in a series of secret meetings with far-right Canadian separatists advocating for Alberta’s independence. This fringe group, known as the Alberta Prosperity Project, has reportedly met with U.S. leaders in Washington, D.C., three times since last April. The meetings come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Canada, intensifying the separatists’ efforts to leverage these geopolitical strains.
Jeff Rath, legal counsel for the Alberta Prosperity Project, noted the group’s enthusiasm following their discussions with U.S. officials, claiming, “The U.S. is extremely enthusiastic about a free and independent Alberta.” He suggested that some participants in the meetings had direct access to influential figures, even stating they left to meet with the Oval Office. The group has plans for a subsequent meeting next month to request a substantial $500 billion credit facility to support Alberta if an independence referendum is authorized, although no referendum has been formally called yet.
Despite the discussions, both the White House and the State Department have emphasized that no commitments were made during these sessions. A spokesperson from the White House clarified that while administration officials engage with a range of civil society groups, no support was conveyed to the Alberta separatists. Further, a Treasury official claimed to have no knowledge of any request for a credit facility and suggested that there are no further plans to engage the group on this matter.
Carlo Dade, of the conservative think-tank Canada West Foundation, voiced skepticism towards the separatists, labeling them as “attention seekers.” He highlighted the U.S.’s tendency to manipulate Canadian political divisions to its advantage. Adding fuel to the group’s aspirations, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently referred to Alberta as “a natural partner for the U.S.” during an interview, spurring hopes among separatists for potential future collaboration.
However, public sentiment within Alberta appears largely opposed to independence. A spokesperson for Premier Danielle Smith indicated that most Albertans do not support the idea of becoming a U.S. state. Additionally, a counter-petition against independence, titled Alberta Forever Canada, gathered 438,568 signatures by last year’s deadline, showcasing strong local resistance to the separatist movement.
The backdrop of U.S.-Canada relations has been fraught with tension in recent months. President Trump has threatened retaliatory tariffs on Canadian goods and has made provocative remarks regarding Canadian sovereignty. His suggestion that Canada could become the 51st state has raised alarms among Canadian officials. Moreover, concerns have escalated regarding the potential revision of long-standing military agreements should Canada alter its procurement plans for new fighter jets.
The landscape of U.S.-Canada relations remains complex, with these secret meetings potentially reflecting broader aspirations and consequences that could affect not only Alberta’s future but also the geopolitical landscape of North America.