Canada gets a taste of separatism as oil-rich Alberta members meet US officials, echoing India’s Khalistan concerns

Canada is facing fresh diplomatic and political pressure after an Alberta-based separatist group held meetings with officials in Washington to discuss breaking away from the country. The outreach has triggered concern in Ottawa over foreign engagement with a domestic separatist movement, an issue that closely mirrors India’s long-standing complaints about Khalistani separatist activity operating from Canadian soil.

Alberta separatist group reaches out to Washington

The Alberta Prosperity Project (APP), which is campaigning for Alberta’s independence, has reportedly held at least three meetings with officials from the US State Department in recent months. A fourth meeting is planned for February 2026 and is expected to involve the US Treasury Department. The discussions reportedly focused on the economic and diplomatic aspects of Alberta separating from Canada.

Funding request and referendum push

The controversy deepened after reports that the APP sought a US$500 billion line of credit from the US Treasury. The group says the funds would support a “Day One” transition if Alberta votes for independence. Under Alberta law, organisers must collect 177,732 valid signatures by early May to trigger a referendum. The APP claims support has increased after rallies in Calgary and Edmonton. A counter-group, Alberta Forever Canada, says it has mobilised thousands to oppose separation. Some polls suggest that up to 30 per cent of respondents support Alberta leaving Canada.

Energy interests add to Ottawa’s concerns

Canadian officials are also uneasy about reports that the APP discussed alternative oil pipeline routes through the US Pacific Northwest to bypass federal approval and opposition from British Columbia. Alberta is Canada’s richest province due to its energy sector, holding more than 90 per cent of the country’s proven oil reserves and accounting for around 80 per cent of current oil production.

Political backlash within Canada

The reports have drawn sharp criticism from Canadian leaders. Nationalist voices have accused the APP of undermining the country by seeking foreign support for separation.

"To go to a foreign country and to ask for assistance in breaking up Canada, there's an old-fashioned word for that. And that word is treason." Premier David Eby of British Columbia, where Khalistani separatists are active, said on Thursday.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford described the meetings as “unacceptable and unethical” and urged Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to clearly denounce the separatist movement.

Parallels with India’s Khalistan concerns

The developments have struck a chord in India, where New Delhi has repeatedly raised concerns with Ottawa over the presence and activities of Khalistani separatist groups in Canada. Indian officials have long argued that political space given to separatist movements abroad can strain diplomatic relations and spill into bilateral tensions. The Alberta episode places Canada in a situation similar to the one India has highlighted for years, where domestic separatism intersects with foreign actors.

US response remains cautious

Washington has said that US officials routinely meet a wide range of civil society groups and that no commitments were made to the Alberta separatists. However, comments by senior US figures, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who referred to Alberta as a “natural partner” for the United States, have raised suspicion in Ottawa. Canadian officials privately worry the issue could be used as leverage in future trade or energy talks.

Wider implications for Canada’s federal system

The episode has reopened debate about Canada’s federal structure. Alberta’s grievances over energy policy, environmental regulation, and fiscal transfers are not new. What is different is the reported engagement with foreign governments at a sensitive moment in Canada–US relations. The situation also revives memories of separatist movements in Quebec, where the narrowly defeated 1995 referendum remains a defining moment. Federal officials remain alert to the risk that any perceived weakness could encourage separatist forces elsewhere.