Alberta Premier Denies Knowledge of Separatist Meetings With U.S. Strategists
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has denied knowledge of reported meetings between separatist leaders and U.S. strategists, as the province prepares for a crucial vote on independence. The Globe and Mail revealed that Marcel Sylvestre, a key figure in the Alberta Prosperity Project, met with U.S. Republican strategists in Calgary in January. Sylvestre expressed discomfort with the meeting, citing legal and privacy concerns over using the group’s membership list for mobilization efforts.
The report also alleged that separatist leaders discussed exchanging Alberta’s water and oil for U.S. support during meetings with State Department officials in Washington last year. Both Sylvestre and Jeff Rath, another prominent separatist, denied these claims. Sylvestre attended only one of the Washington meetings, calling them unproductive given Alberta’s current distance from seceding. Rath dismissed the allegations as “completely false,” calling the water and oil discussions “inflammatory.”
As Albertans gear up for the October 19 referendum on whether to launch a binding independence vote, concerns over foreign involvement have surfaced. Conservative MP Dane Lloyd expressed alarm over the reported meetings, stating that no one has the right to “promise away Alberta’s birthright.” Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree deferred questions to Canada’s security agency, emphasizing the importance of democratic principles in governing such events.
Critics, including Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, have accused Smith of exploiting separatist sentiments to maintain party unity. Smith has maintained that while her party tolerates differing opinions, its official stance is for Alberta to remain in Canada. Sylvestre claimed no pressure from Smith’s office to alter his separatist efforts, noting he remains a United Conservative Party member. The upcoming referendum is expected to see record turnout, with polls suggesting a majority will vote to stay in Canada.