Canadian unity has limited common ground among its opponents, columnist says

A Toronto Star column reports that U.S. actors, Quebec sovereigntists and Alberta separatists are, in different ways, calling for the breakup of Canada, and premiers met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa this week to discuss those threats.

Premiers met in Ottawa this week with Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss perceived threats to Canada and to take stock of national unity. A Toronto Star column by Martin Regg Cohn reports that American actors, Quebec sovereigntists and Alberta separatists are, in different ways, calling for the breakup of Canada. The column highlights public exchanges among leaders including Ontario's Doug Ford, B.C.'s David Eby and Alberta's Danielle Smith. The meeting addressed both external relations with the United States and internal questions of provincial separatism. Key points: - Provincial premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney met to assess national unity and relations with the United States. - The column reports that U.S. actors, Quebec sovereigntists and Alberta separatists are seen as aligning against Canada in different ways. - Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed concern about separatism in Quebec and Alberta; B.C. Premier David Eby questioned Alberta separatist leaders for meeting with U.S. officials; Alberta Premier Danielle Smith declined to disown her province's separatists while condemning the Americans for such meetings. - The article notes uncertainty about whether a critical mass in Quebec or Alberta would support separation and that specific plans or actions had not been detailed. Summary: The article frames recent meetings and public statements as a test of Canadian national unity and of leaders' ability to respond to both external and internal pressures. Outcomes remain unclear.