‘Respect Canadian sovereignty’: Canada’s message to US amid Alberta separatist reports

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged the United States to "respect Canada's sovereignty" after reports of US President Donald Trump's team meeting an Alberta separatist group three times since April 2025 surfaced. This also follows US treasury secretary Scott Bessent's remark on Alberta, stating that "Albertans are very independent people." Carney said, "I expect the US administration to respect Canadian sovereignty. I'm always clear with President Trump to that effect." On Thursday, he also met with premier of the oil-rich province of Alberta, Danielle Smith and British Columbia premier David Eby ahead of the provincial leaders' meeting in Ottawa on Friday.Further addressing a question about the meeting, a state department official called it a routine meeting. "The Department regularly meets with civil society types. As is typical in routine meetings such as these, no commitments were made," news agency AFP reported, quoting the official.Premier Smith also affirmed the stance, stating that she "would expect that the US administration would respect Canadian sovereignty," and said she would raise any issues related to referendum meddling with Washington. She reiterated her support for a "sovereign Alberta, within a united Canada."Smith has indicated that Carney's cooperation on advancing a new oil pipeline to the Pacific coast could be helpful in reducing support for independence. Last week, Scott Bessent, speaking to Real America's Voice, hinted at his stance on Alberta's independence push, saying, "Alberta is a natural partner for the US. They have great resources. The Albertans are very independent people."A report by The Financial Times reported that the leaders of a separatist group named Alberta Prosperity Project have met the Washington state officials three times since April 2025.