Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on Saturday dismissed suggestions that supporters of separatism in the province aim to join the United States, pushing back against recent remarks made by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Bessent, speaking during an interview on a conservative American television network, claimed that Alberta residents were increasingly discussing sovereignty and hinted at the possibility of a referendum on whether the province should remain part of Canada. He also suggested that closer alignment with the U.S. could benefit Alberta, citing energy resources and trade potential.
Addressing the comments during her weekly radio programme, Your Province, Your Premier, Smith said she did not believe Albertans advocating for greater autonomy were seeking U.S. statehood. Instead, she argued their concerns stem from dissatisfaction with federal policies and a desire to reshape the province’s relationship with Ottawa.
“People who are frustrated do not tell me they want to become Americans,” Smith said. “What they are asking for is a different arrangement within Canada — one that respects Alberta’s economic contributions and priorities.”
Smith also defended the existing Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), noting that the vast majority of Alberta’s exports cross the border without tariffs. She said the focus should be on resolving sector-specific disputes, including those involving energy, steel, automobiles, lumber and pharmaceuticals, rather than reopening the entire trade pact.
In recent days, a group advocating Alberta’s independence has launched a petition seeking a referendum on separation, triggering legal challenges from several First Nations organizations that argue such a vote would violate constitutional protections. Smith said citizen-led initiatives are part of democratic expression, allowing people to voice strong concerns peacefully.
“You need to give people an outlet when issues matter deeply to them,” she said, describing the petition process as a way to channel public frustration constructively.
Opposition voices, however, have criticized the provincial government’s handling of the issue. Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi accused Smith of emboldening fringe elements by making it easier to initiate referendum campaigns, warning that such moves risk normalizing divisive politics.
Meanwhile, leaders of the independence campaign have insisted that their objective is sovereignty within a global context, not alignment with Washington. Mitch Sylvestre, one of the organizers, said the movement seeks full political autonomy rather than absorption into the United States.
As debates around autonomy and federal relations continue to intensify, Smith maintained her focus would remain on securing infrastructure projects, particularly pipeline expansion, and strengthening economic cooperation within Canada.
