Premier Danielle Smith has strongly criticized separatist leaders for offering the United States government access to water resources and royalties in exchange for support in establishing an independent Alberta. The Globe and Mail first reported this information, although CBC News has not verified the specifics of the story independently.
Alberta separatists held three meetings with U.S. State Department officials in Washington towards the end of 2025. Smith, speaking at a separate press conference in Edmonton on Wednesday, described the offer as “absurd” and emphasized that such decisions should be made by Albertans themselves, who she believes would not support such actions.
While the Washington meetings were already public knowledge, the details of what was proposed to U.S. officials were newly revealed. Dennis Modry, a co-founder of the Alberta Prosperity Project, disclosed the offer to the Globe and Mail. In contrast, Jeff Rath, a lawyer associated with the separatist movement, denied discussing these matters during the meetings.
Criticism has been directed at Smith for including a question in Alberta’s upcoming October 19 referendum regarding the province’s future within Canada. When questioned about potentially soliciting U.S. involvement by posing this question, Smith evaded a direct response. She suggested that those involved in the meetings oppose her stance on remaining in Canada.
Smith emphasized the importance of the American administration engaging with duly elected governments, including both hers and that of Canada. She expressed confidence that the U.S. would respect the sovereignty and decisions of elected officials.
