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Alberta:  A separatist organization in Canada’s western province of Alberta has cleared an important procedural hurdle, receiving authorization to gather signatures in support of a referendum on provincial independence. The development has drawn attention both inside Canada and across the border in the United States, where the group’s outreach efforts have raised questions about foreign interest in a domestic Canadian political issue.

Approval to Begin Signature Collection

The Alberta Prosperity Project, a group advocating for Alberta to become a sovereign nation, has been granted permission under provincial rules to collect the signatures required to trigger a referendum. Organizers say the approval marks a key step toward giving residents a direct vote on the province’s future, although the path to an actual ballot remains complex and uncertain.

Leaders of the group have also acknowledged meeting officials from the US State Department on three occasions since April. They have described the discussions as informational, saying they were intended to explain Alberta’s political and economic position rather than to seek formal backing.

Mixed Signals From Washington

Comments from US officials have added to the controversy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking on conservative broadcaster Real America’s Voice, described Alberta as a “natural partner” for the United States, highlighting the province’s resource wealth and independent political culture.

At the same time, the White House has moved to play down the significance of any contact. According to CNN, a senior administration official said US representatives routinely meet a range of civil society groups and emphasized that no promises or expressions of support were offered during those conversations.

Ottawa Pushes Back on Sovereignty Concerns

Canada’s federal government has responded firmly. On Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney called on the United States to respect Canada’s sovereignty, underscoring that questions about Alberta’s constitutional status are an internal matter.

The situation has stirred strong reactions elsewhere in the country. Political leaders and commentators have urged Canadians to close ranks in response to what they view as unwelcome external attention. The premier of British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, went so far as to compare the separatist outreach to acts of disloyalty to the nation.

Alberta’s Economic and Political Profile

Alberta occupies a distinctive place within Canada. Roughly the size of Texas and home to about five million people, the province is the country’s dominant oil producer, responsible for approximately 84 percent of national crude output. Its energy sector has long shaped both its economy and its political identity.

Politically, Alberta tends to favor conservative parties and policies. Premier Danielle Smith has cultivated cordial relations with former US President Donald Trump and members of the Republican Party. In January last year, she visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort, a move that stood out as other provincial leaders coordinated opposition to his past remarks about potentially making Canada the 51st US state.

Roots of the Separatist Movement

Supporters of independence argue that Alberta’s interests are routinely sidelined by federal policies, particularly climate initiatives aimed at reducing fossil fuel use. They contend that these measures disproportionately affect Alberta’s oil industry and threaten the province’s economic base.

Separatists also point to fiscal grievances, claiming Alberta contributes more in federal taxes than it receives in spending. Cultural and political differences play a role as well, with some residents feeling their conservative views are outweighed by the priorities of more populous eastern provinces.

Momentum and Limits of Public Support

The movement has gained renewed energy following Trump’s return to the White House, with some supporters viewing his pro-oil stance as favorable to Alberta’s aspirations. Last June, rallies for independence featured slogans and merchandise echoing US political branding, including “Make Alberta Great Again” hats and “Alberta Republic” shirts.

Despite the heightened visibility, public backing remains limited. While organizers say a referendum could theoretically take place as early as this fall, recent polling suggests independence would fall short. A January 23 Ipsos survey found that only 28 percent of Albertans would vote in favor of leaving Canada.