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Source: Xinhua News Agency
Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he expects the United States to respect Canada’s sovereignty following reports that U.S. officials met with a group advocating Alberta’s separation from Canada.
Speaking after a meeting with provincial premiers, Carney addressed reports that members of the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP) — a group promoting a referendum on Alberta’s independence — held discussions with U.S. State Department officials in Washington. “I expect the U.S. administration to respect Canadian sovereignty,” Carney said, adding that separatism has not arisen in his conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith echoed the prime minister’s remarks, saying any discussion about Alberta’s democratic future should remain within Canada. She added that her government’s representative in Washington would formally convey concerns to U.S. officials.
The issue has drawn sharp criticism from other provincial leaders. British Columbia Premier David Eby described seeking foreign assistance to break up Canada as “treason,” strongly condemning the reported meetings.
According to the Financial Times, APP leaders have met U.S. officials several times since April last year and are reportedly seeking another meeting to request a proposed 500-billion-U.S.-dollar credit facility should Alberta ever vote for independence. However, no referendum on separation is currently planned.
The developments have sparked political debate across Canada, with leaders emphasizing national unity and warning against foreign involvement in domestic constitutional matters.