Carney Stands Up to Washington on Canadian Sovereignty Issues

Canadian leader Mark Carney is standing up to Washington on sovereignty issues, demanding respect for territorial integrity as revelations emerge of American official meetings with Alberta separatist groups. During Thursday’s press conference with provincial leaders, Carney declared his expectation that the US Administration must respect Canadian sovereignty, emphasizing consistent communication of this stance to President Donald Trump.
A Financial Times investigation revealed meetings between Alberta independence advocates and US government personnel. The State Department confirmed these sessions while attempting to downplay their significance, describing them as standard civil society engagements without substantive commitments. Despite these explanations, the disclosure has aggravated bilateral tensions and sparked questions about appropriate diplomatic conduct.
Alberta separatists are currently campaigning to collect signatures necessary to hold a sovereignty referendum before year’s end. Premier Danielle Smith shared that roughly 30% of the province’s population currently supports independence, placing blame on Justin Trudeau’s previous government. Smith described a decade of federal policies that she claims systematically alienated Alberta, while acknowledging improved federal-provincial dynamics under Carney’s administration.
Movement leader Jeff Rath has openly discussed his organization’s Washington connections, confirming to the Globe and Mail access to the highest levels of American government and intentions to continue these discussions with a February visit. Rath welcomed encouraging statements from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who labeled Alberta a natural partner. British Columbia Premier David Eby condemned these activities, characterizing the separatists’ behavior as treasonous.
The separatist challenge is not confined to Alberta. Quebec faces provincial elections in October that could result in the sovereigntist Parti Quebecois forming government, with leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon having pledged an independence referendum. Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned such an outcome would be disastrous for Canadian unity, though Quebec Premier François Legault insisted only Quebecers can decide. Legault noted minimal current support for both a referendum and separation in the province.