Alberta separatists in Canada seek US support amid independence push
Supporters have embraced Trump as a symbol of pro-oil conservatism. Some advocate full independence, while others suggest Alberta could become the 51st US state.
A separatist group in Alberta is seeking US backing as it pushes for independence from Canada, raising tensions in North American politics.
The movement has also signalled its intention to request a $500 billion line of credit from the US Treasury to "support the transition to a free and independent Alberta," according to a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, by one of its leaders, reports CNN.
The Alberta Prosperity Project, which advocates a referendum on secession, has reportedly met US State Department officials three times since April 2025.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged the United States to "respect Canadian sovereignty," following reports in the Financial Times.
However, a White House spokesperson downplayed any official involvement, saying, "Administration officials meet with a number of civil society groups. No support or commitments were conveyed."
Proponents of Alberta independence argue that federal policies on climate and taxation disadvantage the province and ignore its conservative values.
Michael Solberg, former adviser in prime minister Stephen Harper's government, said, "Western alienation has existed since confederation."
"Support for secession tends to rise when Albertans feel Ottawa is making decisions that directly harm their way of life," he added.
Federal COVID-19 lockdowns and over a decade of Liberal leadership have intensified grievances. In response, the Alberta legislature passed a law in 2025 making it easier to organise a referendum on independence.
However, the movement remains largely driven by online activism and outspoken individuals rather than a structured political campaign. No separatist parties currently hold seats in the provincial legislature.
Trump's influence
Supporters have embraced Trump as a symbol of pro-oil conservatism. Some advocate full independence, while others suggest Alberta could become the 51st US state.
A highway billboard between Calgary and Edmonton, funded by a group calling itself "Canadians for the 51st State," urged residents to tell Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to "Join the USA!" alongside an image of her shaking hands with Trump.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, "They [Albertans] have great resources. They are very independent people. People want sovereignty. They want what the US has got."
He also added that Canada may not allow Alberta to build an oil pipeline to the Pacific and suggested the US should consider supporting the province's ambitions.
Experts predict a referendum may occur this year, yet public support remains limited. A January 2026 poll by Pollara Strategic Insights found only 19% of Albertans favour secession.
Lori Williams, political science professor at Mount Royal University, noted, "Many who support a referendum are symbolic separatists; they want to send a message to Ottawa, not necessarily break away."
Indigenous communities have voiced strong opposition, prompting legislation that guarantees treaty rights regardless of the referendum outcome.
Solberg warns: "Even if a referendum passes, the process would be extraordinarily complex and destabilising. The legal and economic risks remain immense."
Premier Smith has described the grievances as "legitimate" but does not endorse secession. As Alberta debates its future, Canada faces the challenge of balancing provincial autonomy with national unity while navigating an increasingly contentious relationship with the US.
Alberta, a western province of roughly 5 million people, is home to major oil sands producing about 84% of Canada's crude oil. Its economy also relies heavily on agriculture.
Often called the "energy province," Alberta has long championed conservative politics, although its urban centres, Calgary and Edmonton, lean more progressive.
Premier Danielle Smith has cultivated ties with former US President Donald Trump and other Republican figures, visiting Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in January 2025.
"Alberta has always valued strong economic partnerships, and we are open to international engagement," Smith said during a press briefing last year.
Leaders in other provinces, by contrast, have united in opposition to Trump's tariffs and threats, seeking to present a united Canadian front.
