US Treasury Secretary's "Natural Partner" Comment Sparks Debate on Alberta Separatism

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently commented on a separatist movement in Alberta, Canada, describing the province as a "natural partner for the US." His remarks have drawn responses from both Canadian federal and provincial officials, highlighting ongoing tensions and regional aspirations.

Bessent's Remarks on Alberta

During a recent interview, Secretary Bessent highlighted Alberta's substantial resources and the independent spirit of its population. He also referenced a "rumour" concerning a potential referendum on Alberta's continued membership in Canada.

Bessent indicated that Alberta's natural resource wealth faces challenges, citing difficulties in building a pipeline to the Pacific.

Alberta Separatist Movement

A group in Alberta is actively campaigning to collect at least 178,000 signatures, representing 10% of eligible voters, by May. This initiative aims to trigger a referendum on the province's independence from Canada.

Canadian Response

Federal Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne

Responding to Bessent's comments, Federal Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne firmly stated that Canada would "do our own things." He asserted that Canadians are fully capable of developing their natural resources domestically. Champagne also pointed to a recent agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta regarding an oil pipeline to the Pacific, a project that has historically faced significant hurdles.

Alberta Premier's Office

A spokesman for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith affirmed the province's commitment to supporting new pipelines in multiple directions and its ongoing collaboration with US partners to expand pipeline capacity to US markets. However, the spokesman also clarified the premier's stance on the broader independence issue:

The premier believes the "overwhelming majority of Albertans are not interested in becoming a US state."

Public Sentiment and Movement Goals

Public opinion polls indicate that a majority of Albertans prefer to remain within Canada. Late last year, a petition advocating for a united Canada garnered over 430,000 signatures, reinforcing this sentiment.

Leaders of the separatist petition, such as Mitch Sylvestre, have clarified the movement's specific objectives.

Sylvestre stated that their movement aims for independence from Canada, not to join the United States.

He attributed Bessent's "natural partners" comment to the long-standing energy trade relationship between Alberta and the US.

Broader US-Canada Relations

These recent comments unfold amid a period of strained relations between the United States and Canada. Trade negotiations between the two nations are currently paused. President Donald Trump has previously expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Mark Carney following a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Carney criticized "great powers" for weaponizing economic influence. Other US officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have also voiced criticism of Carney's position.