A Globe and Mail investigation has found that members of the U.S. Republican Party held negotiations with leaders of Alberta's separatist movement, offering support for the province's independence in exchange for access to Alberta assets including fresh water and oil. The findings were examined on CBC's Power & Politics, which featured reaction from Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack.
The revelation lands with Alberta's referendum on October 19 approaching. The referendum puts 10 questions to voters covering the constitution, immigration and separation — the most consequential provincial vote on sovereignty in a generation.
Both mayors pushed back on the reported foreign involvement, raising questions about outside interference in the province's democratic process. The investigation adds an international dimension to a campaign already defined by deep divisions over Alberta's place within Canada.
