British Columbia premier David Eby called reported meetings between Alberta separatists and US officials "treason" after the Financial Times revealed the contacts. Separatist organizers are collecting nearly 178,000 signatures to force a referendum and have publicly discussed seeking a $500bn US credit facility to underwrite independence. Indigenous leaders and analysts warn of treaty-consultation requirements and the risk of foreign interference and disinformation.
B.C. Premier Labels Alberta Separatists 'Treason' After Reported Talks With US Officials
David Eby at a Council of the Federation meeting in Ottawa on 28 January.Photograph: Canadian Press/Shutterstock(Photograph: Canadian Press/Shutterstock)
British Columbia premier David Eby on Thursday condemned reported meetings between Alberta separatist activists and US officials, calling the outreach to a foreign power an act of "treason." The meetings were first described in a Financial Times report that said far-right separatists from Alberta held talks with representatives linked to the US administration.
What Was Reported
The Financial Times reported that organizers of the Alberta independence movement have been travelling the province to collect nearly 178,000 signatures needed to trigger a referendum. The group has publicly said it would seek a $500 billion credit facility from the US Treasury to support the creation of a breakaway state if the referendum succeeds.
“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,”Eby told reporters, adding that it was inappropriate to solicit help from a foreign power to weaken Canada.
Responses From Political Leaders
Alberta premier Danielle Smith has repeatedly rejected secession, saying she supports "a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada," but her government faces criticism for making it easier for residents to petition for referendums. Ontario premier Doug Ford urged Smith to confront separatist elements directly, saying she must "stand up" and say "enough is enough."
Separately, reports noted an interview on the conservative outlet Real America’s Voice in which a US official identified in coverage as Scott Bessent appeared to praise Albertans' independent streak and spoke about rumours of a referendum. Coverage describes the comments as encouraging to separatist sentiment.
Indigenous Concerns and Security Warnings
Prominent Indigenous leaders in Alberta warned that Elections Alberta may be "ill-equipped" to guard against potential foreign interference in any referendum. They emphasized that any secession would require consultation with treaty holders, whose agreements predate Alberta’s entry into Confederation.
Analysts have also warned that outside influence could amplify separatist efforts. Conflict researcher Thomas Homer-Dixon told the Guardian that a "fifth column" strategy—collaborating with external actors to destabilize Canada—is a growing concern, and urged planning to counter disinformation and attempts to delegitimize electoral results.
Next Steps
Eby said he would raise the matter with other provincial leaders. The story has prompted calls for closer scrutiny of foreign contacts, stronger protections around referendums, and clear processes to ensure treaty consultation and election integrity.
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