A Natural Partner: US Treasury Secretary Discusses Alberta Separatism
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently addressed the growing separatist movement in Alberta, describing the province as a “natural partner for the US.”
– Resource Wealth and Pipeline Challenges
Alberta has a wealth of natural resources,” Bessent remarked during an interview with an American conservative commentator. “However, they won’t let them build a pipeline to the Pacific.” He suggested that the US should welcome Alberta, emphasizing its rich resources and the independent spirit of Albertans.
– Strained US-Canada Relations
Bessent’s comments emerge amidst ongoing tensions between the US and Canada, coinciding with efforts in Alberta to collect signatures for an independence referendum. He mentioned a “rumor” regarding a potential vote on whether Alberta should remain part of Canada.
– Referendum Efforts in Alberta
A group in Alberta has until May to gather at least 178,000 signatures—representing 10% of eligible voters—to initiate a referendum campaign. In response to Bessent’s remarks, Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne expressed a clear stance: “Thanks, but no thanks. We will do our own things.” He asserted that Canadians have the capability to develop their natural resources domestically, referencing a recent agreement between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta aimed at facilitating an oil pipeline to the Pacific.
– Support for New Pipelines
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office stated the province is open to new pipelines “west, east, north, and south,” while reaffirming that the majority of Albertans are not interested in becoming a US state. Last year, over 430,000 signatures were amassed in a petition advocating for a united Canada as a counter to the separatist movement. Polls continue to show that most Albertans prefer to remain part of Canada.
– Independence vs. US Statehood
Many proponents of Alberta’s independence have clarified that their aim is not to join the US. Mitch Sylvestre, leading the referendum initiative, noted that no one in the movement is pursuing a US affiliation. He acknowledged Bessent’s characterization of Alberta and the US as “natural partners,” due to their energy trading relationship, but stressed that independence is the primary focus.
– Trade Relations in Limbo
Meanwhile, trade discussions between the US and Canada have stalled, with President Trump expressing dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Carney’s blunt remarks at the World Economic Forum. Trump countered Carney’s criticisms of “great powers” using economic strength as a weapon by stating, “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.” Other US officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have echoed these sentiments, describing Canada as arrogant and accusing Carney of appealing to a domestic audience with an anti-US narrative.
The narrative of Alberta as a “natural partner” for the US continues to unfold against the backdrop of local aspirations for independence and international relations that are increasingly complicated.