Bessent says an independent Alberta would be 'natural partner' for the U.S.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in Davos that an independent Alberta would be a 'natural partner' for the United States; organizers of an Alberta independence movement are collecting about 177,000 signatures needed to trigger a referendum by May 2.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Real America's Voice at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Alberta's natural resources make the province "a natural partner" for the United States and referenced talk of a possible referendum on sovereignty. He spoke in the context of wider comments from Trump-aligned figures about Alberta and U.S. interest. Organizers of an Alberta independence movement are actively collecting signatures to seek a referendum on whether the province should be independent. Alberta's premier has said she does not support secession and favors a strong Alberta within Canada. Known details: - Scott Bessent made the remarks on Real America's Voice while attending the World Economic Forum in Davos. - He said Alberta's natural resources make it "a natural partner" for the U.S. and mentioned there were rumours of a referendum on independence. - Organizers need roughly 177,000 signatures by May 2 to trigger the referendum, with 10% required to be eligible voters from the last provincial election. - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's office said the premier does not support secession and supports a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada. Summary: Bessent's comments add to a series of statements by U.S. conservative figures raising the idea of an independent Alberta and potential ties with the United States. The immediate procedural development is the signature drive toward a May 2 deadline to trigger a referendum; other political and diplomatic responses are continuing to unfold.