B.C. premier says seeking U.S. help to split Canada is treason

British Columbia premier David Eby called meetings between a small Alberta separatist group and U.S. officials 'treason'; the separatists reportedly sought U.S. financial and political support while federal leaders responded cautiously.

British Columbia premier David Eby said that members of a small Alberta separatist group who met U.S. officials to seek assistance in leaving Canada were engaging in conduct he described as "treason." The separatist organisers have said they sought financial and diplomatic backing, including a proposed credit facility, to ease a possible separation. Some U.S. officials publicly discussed the meetings, and federal leaders in Canada responded with measured statements about sovereignty. The matter has prompted political debate about foreign involvement in domestic separatist efforts. Key facts: - B.C. premier David Eby publicly called meetings between Alberta separatists and U.S. officials "treason." - Organisers linked to an Alberta separatist project reported seeking U.S. financial and diplomatic support, including a proposed credit arrangement. - A U.S. official spoke about the meetings in positive terms, according to the reporting. - Federal responses were cautious, with leaders urging respect for Canada's sovereignty in their public remarks. Summary: The exchange has increased political tension by drawing attention to requests by a small Alberta separatist group for outside support and to public comments by both U.S. and Canadian officials. Undetermined at this time.