A prominent figure driving the Alberta separatist movement is not a public figure but a combination of a social media account and merchandise line. The RiseOfAlberta account, established in spring 2025, aims to propel Alberta towards independence and has garnered nearly 100,000 followers by sharing clips and memes promoting Alberta’s autonomy.
According to Chris Ross from the Media Ecosystem Observatory, the account portrays a romanticized view of Albertans as rugged individualists contrasting with eastern Canadians depicted as bureaucratic. Alongside separatist content, the account delves into conspiracy theories, including derogatory remarks against the LGBTQ+ community and skepticism towards climate change, interspersed with advertisements for Alberta-themed products.
Despite its growing influence, the identity of the account operator remains undisclosed. Recent investigations have linked the RiseOfAlberta account to Keith Wilson, a key figure in the separatist movement. Wilson, however, denies being behind the account, emphasizing his lack of interest in seeking fame.
Although Wilson acknowledges a connection to the account operator, he asserts no involvement in its content or financial proceeds. The RiseOfAlberta account heavily promotes Wilson’s activities, serving as a campaign tool driving significant online engagement surrounding Alberta’s potential separation.
The RiseOfAlberta account, identified as the most influential in the separatist discourse, generates a substantial portion of online discussions about Alberta independence. With a high frequency of merchandise ads, the account plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the independence movement online.
In the absence of elected officials advocating for separatism, active anonymous social media accounts like RiseOfAlberta fill the void, leading the separatist narrative online. This unique campaign structure has redefined the political landscape, evading traditional scrutiny mechanisms.
While questions persist about the operator behind the RiseOfAlberta account, investigations have revealed ties to Keith Wilson through shared email addresses and website registrations. Wilson maintains a distance from the account’s operations, highlighting the complexities of the separatist movement’s digital presence.
The RiseOfAlberta account’s origin story underscores a passion for Alberta’s independence, amplified by the political climate under Prime Minister Mark Carney. Wilson praises the account’s creativity but disassociates himself from contentious posts, emphasizing the personal and professional risks of publicly supporting separatism in Alberta.
The anonymity of the RiseOfAlberta account operator reflects a strategic decision to avoid backlash and maintain focus on the separatist cause. Wilson commends this choice, portraying it as a departure from typical social media influencers seeking personal acclaim.
