Carney's Rise Threatens Alberta Separatist Movement

Alberta's separatist movement faces an unexpected challenge in the form of Prime Minister Mark Carney's growing popularity. In late 2024, support for the Liberal government had hit fresh lows, and a decade of activist policymaking under former prime minister Justin Trudeau reinforced the province's skepticism about Ottawa's ability to represent its interests.

However, two years on, some separatists say that Prime Minister Carney's growing popularity among Canadians, as well as a new oil pipeline deal between Ottawa and Alberta, has likely changed the calculus for many voters ahead of the province's October referendum.

Michael Wagner, a committed separatist and author of 'No Other Option: Self-Determination for Alberta,' said that if Trudeau had stayed in power, they're quite sure they would have been able to separate. But with Carney trying to extend an olive branch, that's hurting their cause.