Premier Danielle Smith has strongly criticized separatist leaders for proposing to the United States government the access to Alberta’s fresh water and resource royalties in exchange for assistance in establishing an independent Alberta. The Globe and Mail first reported this information, and CBC News has not verified these details independently.
Separatist representatives from Alberta held three meetings with officials from the U.S. State Department in Washington towards the end of 2025. Smith, speaking at a press conference in Edmonton, denounced the offer, stating that it was inappropriate for anyone to offer resources that do not belong to them. She emphasized that the decision for independence is one that Albertans should make, expressing doubt that the people of Alberta would support such an arrangement.
Although the meetings in Washington were already known publicly, the specific offer made to U.S. officials was new information as per the Globe and Mail report. Dennis Modry, a co-founder of the Alberta Prosperity Project, disclosed the details of the offer to the media outlet, while Jeff Rath, a lawyer associated with the separatist movement, denied that such discussions took place.
Criticism has been directed at Smith for including a question in Alberta’s upcoming referendum on October 19 concerning whether the province should remain part of Canada or initiate the legal process for a definitive referendum on its future within Confederation. When asked about potential U.S. involvement resulting from this question, Smith avoided a direct response and suggested that those involved in the meetings were her critics due to her intention to vote in favor of remaining in Canada.
Smith emphasized the importance of the American administration respecting duly elected governments, including her own in Alberta and the government of Canada.
