麻豆社

As Canada continues to wage a trade war with the US, an internal battle is being fought over the country鈥檚 identity. Next month, voters in Alberta, the country鈥檚 wealthiest province, face a referendum on whether they want the opportunity to explore a separation from Canada.

Supporters say Alberta would thrive on its own, because of its rich reserves of oil and natural gas. Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned that independence would lead to years of economic and political turmoil, 鈥渞ight at a time the world is fundamentally uncertain.鈥�

How might the Trump administration leverage this Canadian identity crisis? And how is the Alberta separatist movement complicating Carney鈥檚 鈥淐anada Strong鈥� messaging? Nadine Yousif, the 麻豆社鈥檚 senior Canada reporter, explains.

(Photo: Canada鈥檚 Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks with the news media after he suspended trade negotiations with the United States, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada August 22, 2026. Credit: Chris Tanouye/Reuters)

Producers: Hannah Moore and Xandra Ellin
Executive producer: Martine Powers
Sound engineer: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins