• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expects U.S. to respect Canadian sovereignty.
• Alberta separatists meet U.S. officials seeking support for independence.
• British Columbia's Premier calls separatist outreach "treason."
• Polls indicate significant discontent with federal interference in Alberta.
• U.S. Treasury Secretary suggests Alberta could benefit from sovereignty.

Following reports that U.S. officials have met with Alberta separatists, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that he expects the U.S. administration to "respect Canadian sovereignty." Carney made this statement after learning about discussions involving the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), a group advocating for a referendum on the province's independence from Canada. "I'm always clear in my conversations with President Trump to that effect," he stated, indicating that the topic of Alberta's separatism has not been broached in his talks with the U.S. president, according to BBC and Reuters.

The separatist movement is reportedly gaining traction, with Alberta supporters aiming to collect signatures for a referendum to be held. Jeffrey Rath, a proponent from the APP, disclosed meetings with U.S. State Department officials to discuss potential support, including a proposed $500 billion credit line. However, those discussions have drawn sharp criticism from Canadian leaders. British Columbia Premier David Eby labeled such outreach as "treason," stressing the disloyalty of seeking foreign assistance to potentially destabilize Canada, as reported by South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

Premier Danielle Smith of Alberta expressed a desire for her province to remain with Canada, despite acknowledging that about 30% of Albertans are frustrated with perceived federal overreach. She is advocating for infrastructure projects, including a new oil pipeline to the Pacific, which has previously faced opposition from British Columbia, where the provincial leadership remains against such initiatives. Smith has indicated her intention to address her concerns directly with U.S. officials, according to BBC and Reuters.

The separatist sentiment in Alberta reflects long-standing grievances against the federal government, particularly regarding its approach to energy development. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments recognizing Alberta's push for sovereignty have fueled further discourse. He suggested that "people want sovereignty" and hinted at a friendly stance towards Alberta potentially aligning with the U.S., complicating the sovereignty narrative further, as seen in reports by South China Morning Post, Reuters, and Channel News Asia.