Alberta, a Canadian province rich in oil, is gearing up for an independence referendum scheduled for this year. The separatist movement views former U.S. President Donald Trump as a strong ally in their efforts to destabilize liberal politics in Canada and bolster oil production. This sentiment highlights the significant impact that U.S. politics could have on Canadian domestic issues, particularly in resource-rich regions like Alberta, which holds the majority of Canada's crude oil reserves.

The Wall Street Journal reports that while Alberta's independence appears unlikely, it raises concerns for the Canadian government, particularly due to Alberta's strategic importance in the national economy. The province's leaders, including Premier Danielle Smith, have opened dialogues with U.S. officials and even discussed energy cooperation with Trump prior to his inauguration. This growing collaboration has led to a series of meetings aimed at strengthening ties and potentially exploring the possibilities of independence.

Political activist Mitch Silvester, who initiated the referendum campaign, believes that the Trump administration would welcome the prospect of Alberta becoming a free and independent region. Although Trump himself has not publicly commented on Alberta's separation, a U.S. official's lack of response to inquiries underscores a potential openness to support separatist movements. This situation illustrates the intertwined nature of U.S. and Canadian politics, where regional independence movements can gain traction with external support, potentially reshaping the political landscape of North America.