Alberta Premier Smith defends separatists after Eby's 'treason' remark

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith pushed back after B.C. Premier David Eby called seeking foreign help 'treason'; the U.S. State Department confirmed it met with separatist leader Jeffrey Rath and said no commitments were made.

Meetings between a leader of Alberta’s independence movement and U.S. officials were publicly confirmed this week, prompting sharp public responses from other Canadian leaders. The U.S. State Department said it meets with civil society and that those meetings did not include commitments. B.C. Premier David Eby described asking a foreign power for help in breaking up Canada as "treason," and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith responded by defending constituents who feel aggrieved and saying she will raise sovereignty concerns with U.S. officials. Key points: - The U.S. State Department confirmed it met with Jeffrey Rath and others and described the meetings as routine, saying no commitments were made. - Jeffrey Rath has publicly discussed exploratory financial ideas and said U.S. officials told him statehood for Alberta would be an "impossibility." - B.C. Premier David Eby used the word "treason" to describe seeking foreign help; Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she would not demonize supporters and asked that sovereignty be respected. - Stay Free Alberta could trigger a referendum if it gathers roughly 178,000 signatures, and Elections Alberta says it is funded and staffed to address potential complaints, including concerns about foreign funding. Summary: The exchange of statements highlighted tensions over separatist talks with foreign officials and differing political responses in Canada. A referendum could be arranged later this year if the petition meets the required signatures, and Rath has said a meeting with the U.S. Treasury is planned in February.