Carney, Smith React to Reports of Alberta Independence Advocates Meeting With US Officials

Prime Minister Mark Carney (R) and premiers look on as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith responds to a question during a news conference following the First Ministers Meeting in Ottawa on Jan. 29, 2026. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith say they expect the U.S. administration to “respect Canadian sovereignty” amid reports of Alberta independence advocates meeting with U.S. officials.

Speaking to reporters at a Jan. 29 press conference at the conclusion of a first ministers meeting in Ottawa, Smith said she expects that the U.S. administration would leave the “discussion about Alberta’s democratic process to Albertans and to Canadians.”