US Treasury Secretary Suggests Alberta Join United States

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sparked a diplomatic rift with Canada on January 23, 2026, by suggesting that Alberta is a "natural partner for the U.S." and should be allowed to "come down into the U.S." Bessent criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as a "globalist," claiming the Canadian government's refusal to allow a pipeline to the Pacific drove the province's independence movement.

These comments coincided with provocative actions from President Donald Trump, who canceled trade talks with Canada and criticized Canadian foreign policy and NATO contributions. While some Republican officials, including Congressman Andy Ogles, supported the idea of Alberta joining the U.S., and Alberta separatists claimed U.S. officials signaled recognition of an independent province, Canadian leadership rejected the overtures.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated she supports a sovereign Alberta within a united Canada, adding that most Albertans are not interested in becoming a U.S. state. Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and Heritage Minister Marc Miller dismissed the remarks, with Miller characterizing them as "locker room talk." Canada's outgoing ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, emphasized that Alberta's domestic politics are for Canadians to manage within their own citizenry. The exchange occurred as separatists in Alberta continued collecting signatures for an independence referendum and the Parti Quebecois sought a similar path in Quebec.