A Canadian separatist group is feeling emboldened after a series of secret meetings with high-ranking officials from the Trump administration, sparking fears of a growing rift between Ottawa and Washington. The Alberta Prosperity Project, a far-right organization seeking independence for the oil-rich western province, has met with U.S. State Department representatives three times in the past year, discussing everything from switching to the U.S. dollar to the possibility of an "independent Alberta military."
A Dangerous Flirtation
What this really means is that the Trump administration has been cozying up to Canadian separatists, potentially undermining the unity and sovereignty of America's closest ally. At a time when the relationship between Canada and the U.S. is already strained, Canadian leaders have accused the separatists of "treason" for seeking foreign assistance to break up the country.
The bigger picture here is that the Trump team's willingness to engage with these fringe elements reflects a concerning pattern of sowing division and discord for political gain. By lending an ear to the separatists, they're effectively validating and emboldening a movement that most Canadians see as a dangerous threat to national unity.
A Risky Game
As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made clear, his government expects the U.S. to "respect Canadian sovereignty." But the Trump administration's clandestine outreach to the Alberta separatists suggests they have little regard for that principle. This could further strain relations between the two countries, putting vital economic and security cooperation at risk.
The separatists may believe they've found an unlikely ally in Trump, but Canadian leaders have warned that seeking foreign assistance to break up the country amounts to "treason." The Trump team's reckless flirtation with these fringe elements is a dangerous game that threatens to undermine the very foundation of the Canada-U.S. relationship.