B.C. Premier David Eby Condemns Alberta Separatists' U.S. Outreach as Treason
British Columbia Premier David Eby delivered a forceful rebuke against Alberta separatists on Thursday, accusing those who have reportedly traveled to Washington to seek political and financial backing for Alberta's secession from Canada of committing treason. The premier made these unprompted remarks to journalists ahead of a First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa with other provincial leaders and Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Drawing the Line at Foreign Interference
Eby specifically referenced claims from Jeffrey Rath, lead counsel for the Alberta Prosperity Project, who has asserted for several months that he has made multiple trips to the United States. Rath alleges meetings with unspecified individuals about garnering support from the White House for the separatist movement, along with securing a $500-billion US line of credit to back an independent Alberta.
"I understand the desire to hold a referendum to talk about the issues we want to talk about in Canada, we have free speech that's important," Eby stated. "But 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."
The premier emphasized the current diplomatic dynamics between the two nations, adding, "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 and with respect the president, who is often particularly disrespectful of Canada's sovereignty."
Questionable Claims and Official Responses
The U.S. State Department has repeatedly declined to confirm Rath's assertions despite multiple inquiries over recent months. Similarly, a report from the Financial Times failed to verify these details, citing an unnamed Treasury Department source who indicated no awareness of any credit line proposal or offer.
Eby framed the issue as a matter of national integrity, declaring, "We need to draw the line at people seeking the assistance of foreign countries to break up this beautiful land of ours that our forefathers, our foremothers, our parents, our grandparents fought for."
Political Reactions and Separatist Activities
The premier contended that "Albertans overwhelmingly want to stay in Canada," describing the separatists as "a small group of people that live in Alberta that don't want to be part of Canada, don't want to be a part of Alberta." He called on all premiers to unite in condemning such conduct as unacceptable.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith did not address reporters following Eby's comments. Postmedia has requested statements from her office and the Alberta Prosperity Project.
APP leader Mitch Sylvestre previously told Postmedia that he has also visited Washington but clarified that neither side desires Alberta to join the United States. Sylvestre is currently promoting an Alberta independence referendum petition, which must gather 177,732 signatures by May 2 to advance a vote on independence.
Renewed Tensions Over U.S. Stance
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently reignited concerns about American support for Alberta secession. Last week, he told an American alt-right media personality that the province represents "a wealth of natural resources" and "a natural partner for the U.S.," further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
Eby's strong condemnation highlights the ongoing tensions within Canadian federalism and the serious implications of seeking foreign assistance for separatist ambitions, framing it not just as a political disagreement but as an act of betrayal against the nation.
