American officials have held multiple meetings with a separatist group in Canada over the past year — sparking buzz about secessionist ambitions. The energy-producing province of Alberta came into focus this week as Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a call for his American counterpart to “respect Canadian sovereignty” and local leaders levelled “treason” claims. The developments also come at a time when President Donald Trump has repeatedly pushed for its northern neighbour to become the “51st US state” and insisted that the US must ‘take over’ Greenland.
Canadian politicians fume – ‘Respect sovereignty’
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told the media that Trump had never raised the prospect of Alberta separatism during their conversations. Officials from the country have been vehement in their rebuke as details about the meetings came to light. A small percentage of Alberta residents have long blamed the federal government for issues within the oil-rich province. They flag the prevailing structure of payments to the Canadian government and a perceived inability to get their vast fossil fuel reserves to market as key issues.
“I expect the US administration to respect Canadian sovereignty – I’m always clear with President Trump to that effect,” said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“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. It is completely inappropriate to seek to weaken Canada, to go and ask for assistance, to break up this country from a foreign power and – with respect – a president who has not been particularly respectful of Canada’s sovereignty,” The Guardian quoted British Columbia premier David Eby as telling reporters.
Separatists hold talks with US State Department
According to a Financial Times report, leaders of the far-right Alberta Prosperity Project have met with American State Department officials in Washington at least three times since April 2025. The group as a whole wants the western province to become independent — but their exact discussions with the Trump government remain unclear.
The FT report also quoted sources to add that APP was seeking another meeting next month with US State and Treasury officials. They plan to ask for a $500 billion credit facility that would help bankroll the province if an independence referendum (yet to be called) is passed.
Those behind the Alberta independence movement are also collecting signatures to try and trigger the vote. The group has also issued its call for US funds publicly — with plans to help fund the creation of a new country.