$500 Billion Credit Line? The Secret Washington Meetings Fueling Canada’s Separatism Crisis

Canadian Prime Miner Mark Carney has said the United States must respect Canada’s sovereignty after reports that Alberta separats held talks with officials linked to the Trump adminration. “We expect the US adminration to respect Canadian sovereignty,” Carney said, adding that he has been “always clear” on this point with US President Donald Trump.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith echoed the message, saying discussions about the province’s future should be left to Canadians. She said US officials should stay out of Alberta’s “democratic process”.

The remarks came after the Financial Times reported that Alberta separat figures had met US officials in Washington. The meetings drew sharp criticism from some Canadian leaders.

British Columbia Premier David E said seeking help from another country to break up Canada amounted to “treason”. His comments were criticised separat supporter Jeffrey Rath, who called them “stupid”.Story continues below this ad

Rath, a co-founder of the Alberta Prosperity Project, told the BBC his group had travelled to Washington three times over the past year as private citizens on a “fact-finding basis”. He said the meetings explored the feasibility of a possible $500bn line of credit if Alberta were to separate, but insed they were not asking for funding. He declined to name who they met.

A White House official told the BBC that US officials meet many civil society groups and that “no such support, or any other commitments, was conveyed”.

Alberta separats are currently gathering signatures for a petition that could lead to a referendum on leaving Canada.

Canadian premiers are meeting in Ottawa ahead of trade talks that include a review of the US-Canada-Mexico free trade deal. Smith said she would raise her concerns with US officials and the US ambassador.Story continues below this ad

While her party supports a “strong Alberta within Canada”, Smith said she would not attack Albertans who back a referendum. “What we need to do is give Albertans hope,” she said.

The issue gained attention last week after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested Washington could work with an independent Alberta. “Alberta has a wealth of natural resources,” he said in a TV interview. “I think we should let them come down into the US.”

Discontent with Ottawa has exed in Alberta for years, especially over energy policy, but full independence remains unlikely. Recent Ipsos polling suggests around three in 10 Albertans would support starting the separation process, though many see it as a symbolic protest.

Late last year, more than 430,000 people signed a petition calling for a united Canada.Story continues below this ad

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt told the BBC she believed separats were a minority. “Most Albertans want to be part of Canada,” she said. “I’m very optimic they will show their desire to stay united.”