Rob Breakenridge: Alberta separatist leaders are the movement’s greatest liability

Separatist leader Mitch Sylvestre is seen during a rally in front of the Elections Alberta headquarters in Edmonton, Canada, on May 4, 2026, as they submit boxes of signatures in the hope of triggering an independence referendum. Photo by HENRY MARKEN /AFP via Getty Images

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For those committed to federalism and Alberta’s continued existence as a province of Canada, last week brought welcome news.

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A major and obvious component of that was the announcement that the new Pacific Link pipeline is to be designated as a project in the national interest. It’s a much needed win-win for Alberta and Canada, and federal embracing and prioritizing of the project sends an important message right now.

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Last week also brought us a direct and forceful intervention into the debate over Alberta’s future from former prime minister Stephen Harper, who still looms large as a respected political figure in Alberta.

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In an op-ed published in Postmedia newspapers (including National Post), Harper ably laid out the case for Canada and the case against the risks and uncertainty of separation.

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Not that anyone would necessarily question Harper’s commitment to the country, but his entry into the debate was one federalists have been eagerly awaiting. It also serves as a reminder of the fortuitous circumstances for federalists that the separatist cause doesn’t have any leaders or spokespeople with anywhere near the sort of gravitas and respect that Harper possesses.

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Indeed, as Harper himself notes in his op-ed, “there is nothing resembling the credible leadership necessary to establish a new country.”

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That is, to put it mildly, a huge understatement.

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Mind you, some of the organizers and self-appointed leaders of the separatist movement seemed convinced of not only their own credibility, but also the idea that they somehow have a duty or a mandate to begin establishing a new country.

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Ultimately, the case for or against separation isn’t about those making the arguments, but rather the arguments themselves. Despite historic and recent frustrations, Albertans may be disinclined to want to break up the country regardless of who is telling them otherwise.

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However, it has become quite apparent that the separatist movement’s leaders have turned into a major liability for their own cause.

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The latest evidence for that emerges from a lengthy story in the Globe & Mail on Saturday, which details the extent to which Alberta separatist leaders have cultivated relationships with — and sought support from — U.S. Republican and MAGA figures.

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We’ve long known of attempts by separatist leaders to solicit support from various American figures, which has included actual meetings in Washington, D.C. This story goes further, however, detailing extensive outreach to influential operatives who have openly advocated for U.S. annexation of Alberta, and — shockingly — offers from separatist leaders of Alberta oil royalties and other resources to the Americans “in exchange for help transitioning to independence.”