Canada’s “Maple MAGA” Secessionists
Alberta’s right-wing separatist push, driven by political opportunism and petro power, could pose a serious challenge to Canadian democracy — with potentially wide-ranging consequences for workers, the economy, public services, and the country as a whole.
Danielle Smith, premier of Alberta and leader of the United Conservative Party, speaks during a press conference at the Alberta Legislature on May 6, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta. (Artur Widak / NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Less than twenty-four hours after Liberal prime minister Mark Carney won Canada’s recent federal election, Danielle Smith, premier of the western province of Alberta, declared herself unhappy with the result. Less than a week after that, she unveiled a plan for Alberta to separate from Canada through a referendum.
To American observers, this might seem like a bizarre turn. After all, Carney’s electoral success has, quite rightly, been attributed to a surge in Canadian patriotism. Canadian voters were justifiably anxious about American president Donald Trump’s tariffs and his threats about turning Canada into the “51st state.” A plurality decided that Carney was the best choice to “stand up to the bully.”
In the midst of this pro-Canada wave, Premier Smith and members of her ruling United Conservative Party (UCP) government have stood apart. They argue that the new prime minister and his government in Ottawa pose a greater threat to Alberta than Trump and his administration in Washington.
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