Eby calls reported talks between Alberta separatists and U.S. officials 'treason'
B.C. Premier David Eby called a reported meeting between Alberta separatists and U.S. officials 'treason' after the Financial Times said the group met State Department staff three times.
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By Torontoer Staff
British Columbia Premier David Eby called a reported meeting between figures in the Alberta separatist movement and U.S. officials “treason,” saying it is unacceptable for a group to seek foreign help to break up Canada. He made the comments Thursday in Ottawa before the first ministers' meeting, citing a Financial Times report.
The Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the talks, reported that leaders of the Alberta Prosperity Project have met with U.S. State Department officials in Washington three times since April. A U.S. State Department official, speaking on background, said the department routinely meets with "civil society types" and that "no commitments were made."
What the report says
The Financial Times account places the meetings between the Alberta Prosperity Project, which is leading a petition drive for a referendum on Alberta independence, and U.S. officials over the past several months. The report does not say that any formal agreements were reached, and U.S. officials have characterised the interactions as routine engagement with civil society.
Premiers react
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.
David Eby
Eby said the report was particularly alarming given the stance of U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he described as not particularly respectful of Canada’s sovereignty. He framed the meetings as crossing a clear line from domestic political advocacy into seeking outside help to alter the country’s constitutional order.
I think you’re talking about a minority of people who are agitating, and I am very optimistic that the majority of Albertans will demonstrate their love for this country and their desire to be a part of it in whatever comes next.
Susan Holt, New Brunswick Premier
New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt said she expects most Albertans will choose to remain in Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the reported meetings "unacceptable" and "unethical," saying provinces and the federal government should not be bypassed in negotiations with a foreign power.
We’re one country and we should all be sticking together. We shouldn’t have groups going around the federal government’s back or the province’s back to negotiate something with the U.S.
Doug Ford
U.S. comments and wider context
Beyond the State Department response, other U.S. figures have weighed in publicly. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Jan. 23 that Alberta would be a "natural partner" for the United States, pointing to the province’s resource base and energy infrastructure ambitions. His comments came on Real America’s Voice, a right-wing U.S. outlet.
I think we should let them come down into the U.S., and Alberta’s a natural partner for the U.S.
Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary
U.S. officials framed the reported contacts as routine diplomacy or outreach to civil society. The State Department official who responded on background said that such meetings typically do not result in commitments, a standard line intended to distance the department from any formal involvement in domestic Canadian politics.
The Alberta movement and the referendum push
The Alberta independence movement is collecting signatures to try to trigger a referendum on separation. Mitch Sylvestre, who is leading the petition, said on Jan. 23 that he does not believe members of the movement want Alberta to join the United States.
I don’t think anyone in our movement wants to join the U.S.
Mitch Sylvestre
Some organisers of the independence effort have said they met with members of the Trump administration, but they have not named officials or provided details. The movement’s message has gained traction among U.S.-based conservative online influencers and some Republican circles, raising concern among Canadian leaders about foreign influence on domestic political movements.
What happens next
The report reached premiers as they gathered in Ottawa for a first ministers' meeting. The immediate political response focused on condemning any attempt to solicit foreign assistance for secession. Officials at the federal level have not announced any formal inquiry into the reported meetings, but premiers signalled they view the matter as serious.
The Alberta petition drive continues to collect signatures. If organisers meet thresholds required under Alberta’s political process, that would trigger further debate about pathways for formal political action. In the meantime, premiers on Thursday emphasised national unity and warned against outside interference.
This story is developing. The Financial Times report, statements from premiers and comments from U.S. officials provide competing accounts of the interactions. Canadian leaders said they will monitor the situation as more information becomes available.
AlbertaDavid EbyseparatismU.S.-Canada relationsfirst ministers meeting
