U.S. Treasury Secretary comments on Alberta separatism and calls province a 'natural partner'

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Alberta is 'a natural partner' for the U.S. and referenced a possible independence referendum; Stay Free Alberta must gather nearly 178,000 signatures by early May to force a vote.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a Thursday interview that Alberta is "a natural partner" for the United States and referenced reports the province may hold a referendum on independence. The remarks were made during an interview with Jack Posobiec and drew attention because Bessent is a senior U.S. official. A group called Stay Free Alberta faces a procedural deadline: it must collect nearly 178,000 signatures by early May to force a referendum. Key points: - Scott Bessent said Alberta has "great resources" and called the province "a natural partner" for the U.S. in remarks reported from an interview with Jack Posobiec. - Stay Free Alberta must gather about 178,000 signatures by early May to trigger a province-wide referendum on independence. - Premier Danielle Smith's spokesperson said most Albertans are not interested in becoming a U.S. state, while separatist organizers said they view the comments as supportive and are organizing a February meeting with the U.S. Treasury Department. - Bessent's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Summary: These remarks add a U.S. official's voice to an ongoing discussion within Alberta about its political future. The immediate procedural focus is the signature drive by Stay Free Alberta, which has until early May to reach the required total; a February meeting between separatist organizers and the Treasury Department has been reported, with limited details available.