In brief
In an interview, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent characterized Alberta as a 'natural partner' for the US, amid rising separatist sentiments in the province. His comments, which suggested embracing Alberta's independence, come as the region seeks support for a referendum on its future within Canada. Canadian officials, including Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, promptly rejected Bessent's suggestion, asserting Alberta's commitment to remain a part of Canada, despite ongoing discussions around resource management and pipeline projects.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has weighed in on a separatist movement in Alberta, claiming the western Canadian province is a 'natural partner for the US'.
During an interview with American conservative commentator Jack Posobiec, Bessent emphasized Alberta's wealth of natural resources, lamenting the inability to construct a pipeline to the Pacific. He was quoted saying, 'I think we should let them come down into the US, and Alberta is a natural partner for the US. They have great resources. The Albertans are very independent people.'
Bessent's comments coincide with a campaign in Alberta gathering signatures for an independence referendum, an initiative that has stirred tensions between Canada and the US.
In further comments, Bessent acknowledged the possibility of a referendum on Alberta's desire to remain part of Canada, noting the necessity for a minimum of 178,000 signatures, or about 10% of the eligible voters, to proceed with the campaign.
Federal Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne dismissed Bessent's remarks, asserting Canada’s capability to independently develop its natural resources. He noted a recent agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta to facilitate an oil pipeline to the Pacific, a long-sought goal for the resource-rich province amid significant challenges.
Although Premier Danielle Smith expressed support for new pipelines to expand capacity to US markets, she also clarified that most Albertans do not aspire to become part of the US, despite the separatist sentiments.
Petitioners from the separatist movement, including Mitch Sylvestre, have been clear about their intentions, affirming that their goals do not include joining the US, but instead focusing on Alberta's independence from Canada.
As current trade negotiations stagnate, Bessent's statements come against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Canadian and US officials, further complicated by critical remarks exchanged between Prime Minister Carney and President Trump at the World Economic Forum.
