Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office says she was unaware of reported meetings between Alberta separatist figures and U.S. Republican strategists as the province prepares for its upcoming referendum on separation. Smith’s spokesperson, Sam Blackett, said Monday that the premier is not affiliated with the individuals involved and had no knowledge of the reported meetings. He also reiterated that Smith opposes Alberta separating from Canada or becoming part of the United States. The comments follow reports that Mitch Sylvestre, president of the Bonnyville-Cold Lake UCP constituency association and a leader of the Alberta Prosperity Project, attended a meeting in Calgary with U.S. Republican political strategists earlier this year. The meeting reportedly involved discussions about technology that could be used to identify and mobilize supporters of the separatist movement. Sylvestre said he was uncomfortable with proposals to use membership information from the Alberta Prosperity Project because of legal and privacy concerns. The reports have also raised questions about meetings between Alberta separatist leaders and U.S. State Department officials in Washington. Allegations that Alberta water and oil resources were discussed in exchange for American support have been denied by separatist figures who attended the meetings. Sylvestre said the group had no authority to make agreements involving Alberta’s natural resources because they are not the provincial government. Another separatist leader, Jeff Rath, also rejected the reported claims, describing them as false. The controversy comes just weeks before Albertans are scheduled to vote on Oct. 19 on whether the provincial government should begin the process toward a second, binding referendum on Alberta’s potential separation from Canada. A “yes” vote would not itself make Alberta independent. The reports have prompted concern in Ottawa and Alberta, with questions being raised about possible foreign involvement in the referendum campaign. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has referred questions about potential foreign interference to Canada’s security agencies. Smith has previously said separation is a significant issue in Alberta and that her government will respect the democratic process. However, the United Conservative Party’s official position remains that Alberta should stay within Canada.
With the referendum approaching, the reported contacts between separatist groups and U.S. political interests are expected to remain a major point of political debate in Alberta.