Smiths Secret Clearance Questioned After Separatist Meetings Surface

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who was granted Top Secret security clearance in May, reportedly has no knowledge of meetings held in Washington, D.C., by separatist leaders from her province. According to a Globe and Mail report, leaders of the Alberta Prosperity Project met with U.S. State Department officials in 2025, offering access to fresh water and oil royalties in exchange for assistance in Alberta's separation from Canada.

Smith's press secretary, Sam Blackett, claimed she was unaware of these meetings, raising questions about the efficacy of her security clearance. Blackett had previously stated that the clearance was granted to allow her to receive national security briefings. However, Smith had publicly criticized the RCMP for not sharing intelligence on foreign interference related to Alberta's upcoming separation referendum.

The revelation has sparked debate over the transparency and effectiveness of Smith's security clearance. Critics suggest that either Smith was misinformed about her clearance level or that Canada's security agencies failed to brief her on the meetings. Alberta's Public Safety Minister, Mike Ellis, has also been linked to the controversy, as he sought similar clearance last year.

Liberal MP Corey Hogan has called for a Canadian law similar to the U.S. Logan Act, which prohibits unauthorized negotiations with foreign governments. The need for such legislation has been highlighted by the Alberta separatists' actions, which Hogan argues could be illegal under a similar Canadian law.