What did U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent say about Alberta?

On January 23, Bessent stated on Real America's Voice that 'Alberta is a natural partner for the U.S.' and suggested allowing Alberta to 'come down into the U.S.' amid separatist discussions.[4]

What is required to trigger the Alberta independence referendum?

Organizers need 178,000 valid signatures from 10% of eligible voters by May 2, 2026, under Alberta’s Citizen Initiative Act, as confirmed by the Chief Electoral Officer.

How did Canadian officials respond to Bessent's comments?

Federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne's office said he would tell Bessent 'thanks but no thanks, we will do our own things'.[story]

What is the proposed referendum question?

'Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be part of Canada to become an independent state?'

Is there opposition to the Alberta separation petition?

Yes, over 430,000 signatures were gathered late last year for a counter-petition supporting a united Canada, and petition leader Mitch Sylvestre clarified they do not seek U.S. statehood.[story]

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Says Alberta Is 'Natural Partner' for U.S.

Bessent said on Jan. 23 that Alberta should be allowed to "come down into the U.S." as separatists seek 178,000 signatures by May.

Overview

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Real Americas Voice on Jan. 23 that "Alberta is a natural partner for the U.S." and that "we should let them come down into the U.S.," his remarks drew attention to the separatist push.

A campaign in Alberta has until May to collect at least 178,000 signatures, equal to 10% of eligible voters, to trigger a referendum, Alberta's chief electoral officer confirmed.

Federal Finance Minister Franois-Philippe Champagne responded to questions about Bessent's comments by saying he would tell Bessent "thanks but no thanks, we will do our own things," his office said.

Provincial records show that late last year more than 430,000 signatures were gathered for a counter-petition backing a united Canada, reflecting significant organized opposition to separation.

Mitch Sylvestre, who is spearheading the referendum petition, told the CBC he does not expect supporters to seek U.S. statehood and said organizers will continue signature drives ahead of the May deadline.

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Analysis

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Center-leaning sources frame Bessent’s comments as an awkward, unwelcome intervention by foregrounding Canadian rebuttals and evidence that undercuts separatist momentum. Editorial choices — calling the host a “right‑wing commentator,” placing federal ministers’ swift “thanks but no thanks” rebuttals immediately after the quote, citing petition and poll totals, and linking the remarks to broader US–Canada tensions — collectively downplay the plausibility of Alberta joining the US while emphasizing Canadian sovereignty and skepticism.

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: On January 23, Bessent stated on Real America's Voice that 'Alberta is a natural partner for the U.S.' and suggested allowing Alberta to 'come down into the U.S.' amid separatist discussions.[4]
Sources:
Politico
: Organizers need 178,000 valid signatures from 10% of eligible voters by May 2, 2026, under Alberta’s Citizen Initiative Act, as confirmed by the Chief Electoral Officer.
Sources:
Elections Alberta
: Federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne's office said he would tell Bessent 'thanks but no thanks, we will do our own things'.[story]
Sources:
Alberta Prosperity Project
: 'Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be part of Canada to become an independent state?'
Sources:
Elections Alberta
: Yes, over 430,000 signatures were gathered late last year for a counter-petition supporting a united Canada, and petition leader Mitch Sylvestre clarified they do not seek U.S. statehood.[story]
Sources:
Global News