U.S. Treasury Secretary hints Alberta could thrive independently, sparking debate as separatists push for a referendum on leaving Canada.
U.S. Official Backs Alberta as “Natural Partner”
Alberta has never been just another Canadian province. And now, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has made headlines by suggesting that an independent Alberta could be a “natural partner” for the United States. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on the right-wing Real America’s Voice network, Bessent highlighted Alberta’s massive oil reserves and hinted at the province’s growing desire for sovereignty.
“Alberta has a wealth of natural resources, but they won’t let them build a pipeline to the Pacific,” he said. “I think we should let them come down into the U.S. The Albertans are very independent people. There’s even talk of a referendum on whether they want to stay in Canada.”
Ottawa Pushes Back
Canadian officials were quick to respond. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne underscored the recent agreement between Ottawa and Alberta, aimed at supporting pipeline development to the Pacific.
“Albertans want to work with Canadians on energy projects. We’re a proud nation, and we will continue developing our resources together,” Champagne said. His message was clear: Alberta’s future remains firmly tied to Canada, not the U.S.
Right-Wing U.S. Support Grows
Bessent is the latest high-profile U.S. conservative to entertain the idea of Alberta independence. Figures aligned with former President Donald Trump have repeatedly suggested Alberta could serve as a “gateway” to North American resources.
Conservative author Brandon Weichert, appearing on Steve Bannon’s podcast, described Alberta as “the linchpin” in Trump’s North American ambitions. Similarly, Republican Rep. Andy Ogles claimed Albertans might prefer joining the U.S., citing shared economic and cultural values.
Even Trump himself has toyed publicly with the idea of making Canada the 51st U.S. state, with Alberta frequently mentioned as the focal point.
Alberta Separatists Push for a Referendum
The Alberta independence movement is moving forward with plans to collect signatures for a referendum on provincial sovereignty. Organizers need roughly 177,000 signatures by May 2, including 10% from eligible voters in the last provincial election.
Premier Danielle Smith, however, has made her stance clear: while she supports giving Albertans a voice in their future, the majority are not interested in leaving Canada. “Alberta wants to expand pipelines and trade with the U.S., but most Albertans do not want to become an American state,” said Smith’s spokesperson, Sam Blackett.
Global Trade and Sovereignty in Focus
The debate over Alberta’s independence also touches broader economic and geopolitical concerns. Canada’s Artificial Intelligence Minister, Evan Solomon, emphasized the importance of Ottawa’s trade diversification strategy to maintain national sovereignty. Meanwhile, Bessent criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent WEF speech, claiming he was hiding a “globalist” agenda while promoting Canadian energy resources abroad.
The tension highlights a delicate balancing act: Alberta’s energy wealth makes it a tempting partner for foreign powers, but Canadian leaders remain committed to keeping the province—and the country—intact.
