Alberta independence advocates reportedly sought U.S. support if referendum succeeds

Reports say U.S. officials met multiple times with organizers of an Alberta separatist group, and the group has discussed seeking a large credit facility if a separation referendum succeeds.

United States officials are reported to have met several times with organizers of an Alberta separatist group. The reporting appeared in the Edmonton Journal and the Financial Times, and it came amid reported tensions between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump. The Financial Times reported the first meeting took place in April 2025 and said the advocates were planning to seek a fourth meeting in February. U.S. officials told the FT that meetings with civil society groups are routine and that no explicit commitments were made. Known details: - Reported meetings: U.S. officials met three times with organizers of the Alberta Prosperity Project, according to the reporting. - Timeline and requests: The Financial Times said the first meeting was in April 2025 and that advocates planned to seek a fourth meeting in February and discussed seeking a $500-billion credit facility to support the province if a separation referendum succeeded. - U.S. response: Both the White House and the State Department told the FT they consider meetings with civil society normal and said no explicit support or commitments were given. - Legal and political status: There are no scheduled independence votes in Alberta or other Canadian provinces, and no party in the Alberta legislature currently advocates leaving Canada. - Citizens' initiative process: Provincial legislation allows a province-wide referendum if organizers gather signatures equal to 10% of voters in the previous provincial election; the report cites a threshold of 177,732 signatures and says the Alberta Prosperity Project is canvassing for them. - Public opinion: An Ipsos poll cited in the reporting found about three-in-10 respondents would support Alberta independence. Summary: Reported contacts between U.S. officials and Alberta separatist organizers have attracted attention within a broader Canada–U.S. political context. The group is actively canvassing signatures for a citizens' initiative and, as reported by the Financial Times, planned a further meeting and discussed a large credit facility if a referendum succeeded. No independence vote is currently scheduled and federal and provincial positions remain unchanged.