The premier of British Columbia has accused separatist activists in Alberta of treason after covert meetings with US officials were revealed. David Eby told reporters that seeking foreign assistance to break up Canada is 'completely inappropriate', especially from a president who has not respected Canadian sovereignty.
The meetings between far-right activists and US state department officials were first reported by the Financial Times. The Alberta independence movement, which has minority support, is collecting signatures for a referendum on secession. Organisers need nearly 178,000 signatures and have publicly requested a $500bn credit facility from the US treasury to fund a new country.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who rejects separation, faces criticism that her government made it easier to petition for a referendum. Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged Smith to 'stand up and say enough is enough'. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared to support the separatists, saying Albertans are 'very independent people' and that 'people want sovereignty'.
Prominent Indigenous leaders warned that no secession is possible without consultation with treaty holders, whose agreements predate Alberta's creation. Analysts fear US interference could give separatists outsized influence, with conflict researcher Thomas Homer-Dixon warning of a potential 'fifth column' approach to destabilise Canada.
