BC Premier Eby Condemns Alberta Separatists' U.S. Outreach as Treasonous
British Columbia Premier David Eby has issued a stark condemnation of Alberta separatists who have reportedly sought assistance from Washington in their push for independence from Canada, labeling their actions as treasonous. Eby made these remarks on Thursday in Ottawa, where he was attending a First Ministers Meeting, emphasizing the gravity of seeking foreign help to dismantle the nation.
Eby's Strong Words on Disloyalty
In a statement that has reverberated across political circles, Eby declared, "To go to a foreign country and to ask for assistance in breaking up Canada, there’s an old-fashioned word for that — and that word is treason." As the leader of Canada's westernmost province, which borders Alberta, Eby expressed deep concern over what he views as an act of immense disloyalty. He further criticized the involvement of a U.S. president who has shown little respect for Canadian sovereignty, alluding to President Donald Trump's contentious relationship with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Financial Times Report on U.S. Meetings
The controversy stems from a report by the Financial Times, which revealed that officials within the Trump administration have held meetings with individuals associated with the Alberta Prosperity Project. This group is actively working on a petition to initiate an independence referendum in Alberta, a region renowned for its oil wealth. The meetings highlight a growing international dimension to the separatist movement, raising questions about foreign interference in Canadian affairs.
Separatist Organizer's Claims and Goals
Jeffrey Rath, a key organizer for the Alberta separatists, confirmed to Bloomberg News earlier this month that he has met with U.S. State Department officials on three separate occasions. Rath claimed that these officials are supportive of his cause, though he declined to name them specifically. In a recent interview, Rath outlined ambitious plans, including seeking a US$500 billion credit line from the United States if a successful referendum is achieved. He stated, "We’ll just be able to trigger it and Canada won’t be able to threaten us." Rath attempted to downplay the discussions as purely academic, but his laughter during the interview suggested a more strategic intent.
Current Efforts and Political Context
The Alberta Prosperity Project is currently in the process of collecting approximately 180,000 signatures, a threshold required under provincial legislation to trigger a referendum vote. This effort comes amid broader political tensions, including disputes between Trump and Carney over trade policies, such as Canada's deal with China on electric vehicle imports. Eby reiterated his stance, saying, "It is completely inappropriate to seek to weaken Canada, to seek to go and ask for assistance to break up this country, from a foreign power." His comments underscore the escalating debate over national unity and the ethical boundaries of separatist movements engaging with foreign governments.
