Canada is bracing for potential fallout from the Trump administration's informal meeting with Alberta separatist group, the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP). The group has met with U.S. State Department officials three times since April last year, sparking concerns among Ottawa officials about the implications of such a connection.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his country's expectations regarding respect for Canadian sovereignty in response to the report. "We expect the U.S. administration to respect our sovereignty," he stated during a press conference. The White House denied any support or commitments were made, saying only that officials met with various civil society groups.
While Alberta Premier Danielle Smith echoed Carney's sentiment on sovereignty, she also cautioned against demonizing Albertans and pointed fingers at former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for fueling separatist movements over energy policies. However, British Columbia Premier David Eby called the interactions "treason," highlighting the potential risks to Canada's unity.
The APP seeks a $500 billion credit facility from U.S. Treasury and State Department officials if an independence referendum is approved, citing enthusiasm from the Trump administration for a free and independent Alberta. The group's efforts have sparked concerns about foreign interference in domestic affairs.
With 177,000 signatures required to trigger a referendum request under Alberta's Citizen Initiative framework, time is running out for the APP. If they succeed, Canada could be facing significant changes to its unity and sovereignty.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his country's expectations regarding respect for Canadian sovereignty in response to the report. "We expect the U.S. administration to respect our sovereignty," he stated during a press conference. The White House denied any support or commitments were made, saying only that officials met with various civil society groups.
While Alberta Premier Danielle Smith echoed Carney's sentiment on sovereignty, she also cautioned against demonizing Albertans and pointed fingers at former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for fueling separatist movements over energy policies. However, British Columbia Premier David Eby called the interactions "treason," highlighting the potential risks to Canada's unity.
The APP seeks a $500 billion credit facility from U.S. Treasury and State Department officials if an independence referendum is approved, citing enthusiasm from the Trump administration for a free and independent Alberta. The group's efforts have sparked concerns about foreign interference in domestic affairs.
With 177,000 signatures required to trigger a referendum request under Alberta's Citizen Initiative framework, time is running out for the APP. If they succeed, Canada could be facing significant changes to its unity and sovereignty.