Alberta Premier Distances Self from Separatist Meetings with U.S. Strategists

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. Premier Smith’s spokesperson, Sam Blackett, stated that she has no knowledge of the meetings and opposes separation or becoming a U.S. state. Blackett declined to comment on any potential actions against Mitch Sylvestre, the UCP constituency association president and leader of the pro-separation Alberta Prosperity Project, who attended the meetings.

The Globe and Mail reported that Sylvestre participated in a January meeting in Calgary to explore software for mobilizing separatist supporters. Sylvestre expressed discomfort with the meeting, citing legal and privacy concerns. The report also claimed separatist leaders discussed exchanging Alberta’s water and oil for U.S. support during meetings in Washington, D.C., though Sylvestre and Jeff Rath, another separatist leader, denied these discussions took place.

The report has raised concerns about foreign involvement ahead of Alberta’s upcoming October 19 referendum on separation. Conservative MP Dane Lloyd expressed worry about foreign interference, while Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas criticized separatist leaders for seeking U.S. support. Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi accused Premier Smith of exploiting separatist sentiment to maintain party unity.

Smith has maintained that separation is a significant issue in Alberta, citing widespread public petitions. However, critics argue that there is no substantial separatist sentiment and that Smith is prioritizing internal party politics over addressing broader concerns.