Title: Alberta Leaders Seek U.S. Support for Independence Talks

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three representatives from Alberta met with U.S. cabinet officials this week to discuss potential American backing for Alberta's independence. Jeff Rath, Mitch Sylvestre, and Dennis Modry, who are affiliated with the Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), held their second round of discussions in the Capitol on Monday. The APP is an organization advocating for Alberta's sovereignty and had its initial meeting with U.S. officials in April.

Rath described the meeting as significant, stating, "We’re literally one degree of separation from the Oval Office." He noted that the discussions had progressed to a higher level, indicating strong U.S. support for Alberta's independence. Although he could not disclose specific names, Rath confirmed that the officials present were at the cabinet level, with one leaving to go directly to the Oval Office.

The push for independence stems from growing frustrations among Albertans regarding federal governance. Many residents are advocating for lower taxes, deregulation, and greater control over local issues such as policing and trade. A recent provincial poll indicated that the governing United Conservative Party (UCP) holds 43% of voter support, while the independence-leaning Republican Party of Alberta has 11%, particularly among rural voters.

Rath claims that support for independence is stronger than polls suggest, asserting that 75% of UCP members back the APP. However, experts challenge this view. An Angus Reid poll from May reported that only 36% of Albertans support independence. Graeme Thompson, a senior analyst, remarked, "There is a really long road to go before you get to 50 percent plus one of Albertans voting to leave Canada."

Political science professor Adrienne Davidson expressed skepticism about the APP's chances of success. She stated, "I haven’t seen anything compelling yet to suggest that the referendum question, were it to move forward, would get anywhere near the support that would be required."

Despite the rising sentiment for independence, Premier Danielle Smith's office emphasized a commitment to a strong Alberta within Canada. Smith acknowledged the disenfranchisement felt by many Albertans due to past federal governments but reiterated her focus on negotiating a better relationship with Ottawa.

The APP is currently seeking to place a referendum question before Alberta voters, asking, "Do you agree that the Province of Alberta shall become a Sovereign Country and cease to be a province in Canada?" This question is under legal review, with a constitutional assessment scheduled for November. Several First Nations groups are intervening in the proceedings, opposing the referendum.

If the court approves the question, the APP plans to gather signatures to initiate a public vote. If the legal route fails, Rath indicated they would push for Smith to approve the question under the Referendum Act. However, Davidson doubts Smith will change her stance, noting that she has shown little interest in discussing Alberta's potential secession.

"My objective is to have a strong and sovereign Alberta within a united Canada," Smith stated, emphasizing her efforts to negotiate with the federal government on various projects.

The APP is optimistic about the Trump administration's early expressions of support for Alberta's independence, particularly regarding the province's oil and gas resources. Rath highlighted that 90% of Alberta's exports go to the U.S., suggesting that an independent Alberta would need additional pipeline access to the Gulf Coast to maintain its export levels.

While the APP envisions a free trade agreement with the U.S. following a successful referendum, skepticism remains about the feasibility of such a movement. Thompson cautioned that Alberta separatism is a fringe movement, stating, "I don’t think that it is going to pay off in a way that would be worthwhile for anybody."

As discussions continue, the future of Alberta's independence remains uncertain, with significant legal and political hurdles ahead.