US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has weighed in on a separatist movement in Alberta, saying the western Canadian province is a 'natural partner for the US'.
'Alberta has a wealth of natural resources, but they won't let them build a pipeline to the Pacific,' Bessent told an American right-wing commentator in an interview on Thursday.
'I think we should let them come down into the US, and Alberta is a natural partner for the US. They have great resources. The Albertans are very independent people.'
The top US official's comments come amid strained ties between US and Canada, as signatures are being collected in Alberta seeking an independence referendum.
In comments to conservative host Jack Posobiec, Bessent mentioned a 'rumour' that Alberta may hold a referendum on whether to remain part of Canada or not. A group in Alberta has until May to collect at least 178,000 signatures - or 10% of eligible voters - for a referendum campaign.
Reacting to Bessent's remarks, Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne emphasized that Canada will manage its own resources, noting a recent agreement with Alberta for a pipeline project to the Pacific, which could alleviate some of the province's challenges.
Moreover, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's spokesperson reiterated the province's commitment to working with US partners while also clarifying that most Albertans do not wish to become a US state.
This situation follows a prior petition that gathered over 430,000 signatures in support of maintaining Canadian unity against separatist sentiments. Polls indicate that many residents of Alberta prefer to remain part of Canada, despite some separatists expressing the desire for independence rather than joining the US.
Bessent's comments reflect the ongoing economic ties between Alberta and the US, particularly regarding energy trade, but the political implications of such statements remain contentious as discussions on Canada-US trade relations continue to be strained.
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