In recent weeks, the name Alberta has cropped up where we least expected it. Press investigations, rumors of discreet contacts with Washington, slogans inspired by Trumpism, desires for an independence referendum… This Canadian province, until now rather discreet on the international scene, finds itself at the heart of an explosive political game. What are we talking about? And why does Alberta attract so much desire?
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Alberta is a province of Canada located in the west of the country, bordering the United States. It is bordered by British Columbia to the west, Saskatchewan to the east, the Northwest Territories to the north and the American state of Montana to the south. Its surface area is comparable to that of France. It has a little over 4 to 5 million inhabitants. Its capital is Edmonton. Its largest city is Calgary. More than half the population lives in one of these two metropolises, fueling a historic rivalry between them.
What is the economic situation in Alberta?
Alberta is above all the oil province of Canada. It provides approximately 70 to 90% of national oil and gas production, notably thanks to the tar sands. Discovered on a large scale starting in 1947, these deposits made Alberta one of the richest regions in the country. Its economy is largely based on hydrocarbons, but also on agriculture, livestock, petrochemicals and, increasingly, on high technologies. This wealth fuels an ancient feeling: that of “pay for others” within the Canadian federation.
Will Alberta become independent?
Politically, Alberta is perceived as the most conservative province in Canada. The Progressive Conservatives governed there without interruption for more than forty years, a historic record. This political culture fuels a recurring distrust towards Ottawa, the federal power, accused of imposing fiscal, environmental or climate rules contrary to the interests of the province and its energy industry. Alberta separatism is not new.
It resurfaces regularly in times of economic crisis or political tensions. Today, it is particularly embodied in the “Alberta Prosperity Project” movement, which campaigns for the organization of an independence referendum. If polls show that the majority of Albertans remain opposed to secession, the movement is no longer marginal. Demonstrations are taking place, petitions are circulating and the vote could take place in the fall.
Why Washington is interested in Alberta
Since Donald Trump’s return to power, Alberta has changed geopolitical dimension. In Washington, some close to the MAGA camp see this oil-rich province as a “natural partner” of the United States. Slogans like “Make Alberta Great Again,” informal contacts with U.S. officials and ambiguous statements from the U.S. Treasury Secretary have reignited suspicions of interference. Supposed objective: to weaken Ottawa, weaken Prime Minister Mark Carney and secure American access to strategic energy resources.
On the other side of the border, the matter is taken very seriously. Mark Carney recalled that Canada expected the United States to “respect the sovereignty of the country, at all times and without exception”. Some political leaders go further, denouncing a form of betrayal.
