Alberta Premier Distances Herself from U.S. Strategist Separation Talks

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office has distanced itself from meetings between a member of her party and U.S. Republican strategists discussing Alberta’s separation movement. Mitch Sylvestre, president of the Bonnyville-Cold Lake UCP constituency association, attended a January meeting in Calgary to explore software for mobilizing separatist supporters. Smith’s spokesperson, Sam Blackett, stated that the premier has no affiliation with these activities and opposes separation or becoming a U.S. state.

Sylvestre told the Globe and Mail he was uncomfortable with the meeting and refused to use the Alberta Prosperity Project’s membership list for the project, citing legal and privacy concerns. The report also revealed separatist leaders had discussed exchanging water and oil for U.S. support during meetings in Washington, D.C., though Sylvestre and Jeff Rath denied these discussions took place. Sylvestre emphasized that Alberta’s independence movement does not need foreign support.

As Alberta prepares for an Oct. 19 referendum on separation, concerns about foreign involvement have been raised. Conservative MP Dane Lloyd expressed alarm over the potential compromise of Alberta’s natural resources, while Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas criticized the separatist movement for seeking U.S. support. Smith has acknowledged separatist sentiment in the province but maintains that her party’s official position is to stay in Canada.

Critics, including NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, argue that Smith is exploiting separatist grievances to maintain party unity. Nenshi accused Smith of prioritizing her political survival over addressing the province’s real priorities. Despite calls for action, Smith has declined to discipline party members advocating for separation, stating her party tolerates differing opinions.