Poll: Most Canadians View Alberta Separatist US Talks as 'Treason'
A significant majority of Canadians believe that an Alberta separatist group's negotiations with the United States constitute "treason," according to a new national poll. The survey, conducted by Canada Pulse Insights, found that 71 percent of respondents agree with British Columbia Premier David Eby's recent remarks condemning the Alberta Prosperity Project for seeking foreign assistance to break up the country.
Premier Eby's Strong Condemnation
During a trade meeting in Ottawa last week, Premier David Eby delivered a forceful statement that resonated across the nation. "To go to a foreign country and to ask for assistance in breaking up Canada, there's an old-fashioned word for that, and that word is treason," Eby declared. He emphasized the inappropriateness of seeking to weaken Canada by appealing to a foreign power, particularly referencing President Trump's perceived disrespect for Canadian sovereignty.
The poll specifically asked Canadians whether they agreed with Eby's characterization of the separatist actions. The overwhelming response highlights a deep-seated national sentiment against external interference in Canada's unity.
Regional and Demographic Divisions
The poll reveals notable regional variations in agreement with Eby's stance:
- Saskatchewan and Manitoba: 82% agreement
- Atlantic Canada: 78% agreement
- Ontario: 77% agreement
- British Columbia: 75% agreement
- Quebec: 63% agreement
- Alberta: 56% agreement
Demographically, Canadians aged 65 and above were most likely to agree, with 79 percent supporting Eby's statement. John Wright, CEO of Canada Pulse Insights, noted that "overall Canadians treat appeals to foreign governments for help in breaking up the country as beyond the pale. It's effectively a red line that most are prepared to call treason."
Alberta Prosperity Project's Controversial Moves
The Alberta Prosperity Project, a fringe right-wing separatist group, has held three meetings with the Trump administration in Washington since last April, as reported by the Financial Times. The group aims to secure a $500 billion line of credit from the U.S. to support Alberta's independence, citing enthusiasm from American officials.
Jeffrey Rath, co-founder of the project, dismissed Eby's comments as "defamatory" and "a childish temper tantrum." Rath claimed a stronger relationship with the Trump administration than with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, though a U.S. State Department official confirmed no commitments were made during the meetings.
Political Context and Legislative Changes
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has publicly opposed the independence project but has enacted legislation that inadvertently aids the separatist cause. Last year, Smith and the United Conservative Party lowered the signature threshold for forcing a constitutional referendum from 600,000 to 177,000. The Alberta Prosperity Project is currently gathering signatures to bring an independence referendum to the legislature by May, though it has not disclosed current totals.
Despite the lowered threshold, Smith asserted that most Albertans do not wish to become a U.S. state, emphasizing a preference against isolation. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Carney has maintained a measured approach, expressing expectation for U.S. respect of Canadian sovereignty without taking strong action against the secessionist movement.
The poll underscores a national consensus against foreign involvement in Canada's internal affairs, with the Alberta separatist issue sparking intense debate and revealing clear regional fault lines.
