Jan 30, Kathmandu - A separatist group aiming to detach Alberta from Canada has reportedly sought support from the Donald Trump administration in the United States, sparking new tensions in US-Canada relations.

The group, called the Alberta Prosperity Project, is actively campaigning for a referendum on Alberta's independence.

According to the Financial Times, U.S. State Department officials have held three meetings with leaders of the group since April. One of the group's leaders announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that they are planning to request a $500 billion loan facility from the U.S. Treasury to assist in their movement toward an independent Alberta.

In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, through Minister of Foreign Affairs Mark Carney, urged the U.S. to respect Canada's sovereignty.

A White House official stated that the meetings with various Canadian civic groups are standard procedure and do not imply any support or commitments from the U.S. government.

However, the news has sparked outrage within Canada. Leaders in neighboring British Columbia have condemned the move, calling it akin to treason.

Alberta, located in western Canada, is rich in oil resources and has a population of approximately 5 million. The province accounts for a significant portion of Canada's crude oil production.