Alberta Premier Denies Knowledge of U.S. Strategists Meeting on Separation

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office has distanced her from a meeting between U.S. Republican strategists and a local UCP official linked to separatist movements. Mitch Sylvestre, president of the Bonnyville-Cold Lake UCP constituency association and leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, reportedly attended the Calgary meeting in January. Smith’s spokesperson, Sam Blackett, emphasized that she had no knowledge of the meeting and opposes separation or becoming a U.S. state.

The meeting reportedly involved discussions about software to mobilize separatist supporters. Sylvestre acknowledged his presence but claimed he refused to share the Alberta Prosperity Project’s membership list due to legal and privacy concerns. Meanwhile, separatist leaders have denied claims that they discussed trading Alberta’s water and oil royalties for U.S. support in exchange for independence, as reported by the Globe and Mail.

Albertans are set to vote on Question 10 in the upcoming October 19 referendum, which asks whether the province should start the legal process toward a binding referendum on separation. While Smith supports staying in Canada, some UCP members, like MLA Jason Stephan, have publicly backed separation. Critics, including Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Conservative MP Dane Lloyd, have condemned the separatist movement, arguing it undermines Alberta’s sovereignty.

Elections Alberta expects record turnout, with about 658,000 special ballot applications received. Polls suggest a majority will vote to remain in Canada, but the issue remains a contentious one ahead of the vote.