Trump Administration Signals Support for Alberta Separatists, Criticizes Prime Minister Carney
For advocates of Alberta's separation from Canada, recent developments have provided significant momentum. The movement received a notable boost from a high-ranking official in former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, sparking enthusiasm among independence supporters across the province.
High-Profile Endorsement from Washington
Scott Bessent, who served as U.S. Treasury Secretary under President Trump, has publicly expressed support for Alberta separatists while simultaneously criticizing Prime Minister Mark Carney's approach to national unity. This endorsement represents a substantial development for the independence movement, coming from one of the most influential financial positions in the American government.
Bessent's comments emerged during discussions about Alberta's political future, creating a stark contrast between his perspective and Prime Minister Carney's emphasis on maintaining Canadian federal unity. The American official characterized Carney as "really a globalist" who had "tried to put a mask on for a bit" regarding his true intentions.
Alberta Independence Advocates Respond with Optimism
Keith Wilson, an Edmonton-based constitutional lawyer and prominent advocate for Alberta independence, expressed considerable enthusiasm about the American endorsement. "It's good for independence," Wilson stated. "It's good for people in Alberta who haven't yet made up their mind. It could help push some Albertans who are currently undecided into the Yes camp."
Wilson emphasized that such international recognition helps demonstrate "a credible path forward for Alberta to achieve independence" and shows that "U.S. officials in Washington have a better appreciation and respect for the value of Alberta than the officials in Ottawa."
Geopolitical Considerations and Resource Politics
The Trump administration's interest in Alberta appears rooted in both geopolitical strategy and resource economics. According to Wilson, Trump and his associates "recognize the geopolitical significance of Alberta — its resources, its location" and are actively seeking to "deepen the relationship" with the province.
Bessent specifically criticized what he perceives as Ottawa's reluctance to fully develop Alberta's energy potential, stating that while Alberta represents "a wealth of natural resources," the federal government "doesn't want to build a pipeline to the Pacific." He suggested that Alberta should instead direct pipeline development southward into the United States.
The Referendum Pathway and International Recognition
Alberta separatists are currently working toward gathering sufficient signatures to trigger a provincial referendum on independence, potentially scheduled for the coming fall. Wilson indicated that during meetings in Washington, D.C., separatist representatives received clear signals that the United States would recognize an independent Alberta should the referendum succeed.
"The Trump government showing their support of a people, of a region, expressing free will in their political choice and indicating they would recognize Alberta's independence helps smooth the move for the transition from Alberta being a province into an independent country," Wilson explained.
Contrasting Visions for Alberta's Future
Prime Minister Carney has consistently advocated for maintaining Canadian unity while supporting Alberta's energy sector development. He recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith regarding pipeline construction, though Bessent questioned the document's practical value.
The American official expressed skepticism about Carney's commitment to developing Alberta's oil and gas resources, despite the Prime Minister's public statements about establishing Canada as an energy superpower. This critique adds another layer to the ongoing debate about Alberta's place within Confederation and its relationships with international partners.
As the independence movement gains momentum and international attention, the contrasting perspectives from Ottawa and Washington continue to shape discussions about Alberta's political and economic future within or potentially outside the Canadian federation.
