Former U.S. envoy: serious Americans won't back Alberta separatism
Kirsten Hillman, Canada's former ambassador to the United States, said U.S. foreign interference in Alberta's fall referendum on separation is not a serious concern.
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Canada's former U.S. ambassador said Friday that "serious Americans" are unlikely to interfere in Alberta's push toward separation, downplaying concerns that erupted after the State Department met with members of the Alberta Prosperity Project in January.
Kirsten Hillman, who ended her term in February, said that when she left office, "there really wasn't a serious interest in interfering in this very important domestic discussion happening in Canada." She added, "I don't think this is something that rises to the level of people of influence in the White House."
The State Department's January meeting with the APP — a group seeking a potential $500-billion US line of credit to bankroll an independent Alberta — sparked sharp backlash from Canadian politicians, including accusations of treason. The incident followed comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appearing to speak encouragingly about Alberta's separatist prospects.
Hillman, who grew up in Calgary, said the idea of U.S. foreign interference is "not something that is a big concern for me." She emphasized that Alberta is "stronger with Canada and Canada is stronger with Alberta," and that Albertans should participate "as appropriate" in the independence debate.
In May, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the RCMP had told her government "there's no credible evidence that we're seeing any state actors who are interfering in our politics." She had also sought top-secret-level security clearance to receive briefings on foreign interference threats.
