David Eby says Alberta separatist outreach amounts to treason.

B.C. Premier David Eby said Alberta separatists who met U.S. officials were engaging in treason, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she would not demonize Albertans open to separation.

British Columbia Premier David Eby publicly characterized the actions of Alberta separatists who travelled to Washington seeking U.S. support as treason. This followed a report that the group met with U.S. State Department officials. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith responded that she will not demonize roughly one million Albertans who are open to separation. The premiers met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa for a first ministers meeting that included national unity on the agenda. Key points: - David Eby said the Alberta separatists who travelled to Washington looking for political support were engaging in treason. - A Financial Times report said the group met with U.S. State Department officials in April and is seeking another meeting next month. - Danielle Smith said she would not demonize about one million Albertans who are open to separation and emphasized showing by actions that the country can work. - Prime Minister Mark Carney and the premiers discussed national unity at a first ministers meeting in Ottawa, alongside trade and major projects. Summary: The comments from provincial leaders reflect heightened attention to national unity as premiers met in Ottawa. A referendum on Alberta sovereignty could take place this fall, and the group at the centre of the controversy is reported to be seeking another meeting next month.