Foreign influence watchdog ‘aware of concerns’ about Alberta referendum

Canada’s foreign influence watchdog agency has acknowledged worries surrounding potential foreign interference in Alberta’s upcoming independence referendum. Anton Boegman, the Commissioner of Foreign Influence, informed that his office has taken the initiative to communicate with individuals and groups potentially linked to foreign governments attempting to sway Albertans' votes before the Oct.

19 referendum. The commissioner's office urges Canadian citizens cooperating with foreign governments seeking to influence Canadian politics or government policies to review their website for registration under the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act. Presently, only two names are publicly listed on the registry.

According to the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act, anyone collaborating with foreign governments must register before Oct. 3 if their relationship began prior to Aug. 2026. For relationships initiated after Aug. 4, 2026, registration must occur within two weeks of commencing such work. The Oct. 19 referendum seeks Albertans' opinion on various matters, including the constitutional process for a binding vote on seceding from Canada—an official referendum on provincial independence.

Separatist leaders from Alberta assert they have already engaged with U.S. State Department officials to seek funding for a newly independent province. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has previously made subtle gestures towards the separatist cause, hinting at potential U.S. support for an independent Alberta, citing allies within President Donald Trump’s administration.

These appeals to the Trump administration have sparked concerns about U.S. foreign influence or financial support targeting the referendum. Despite these concerns, public opinion surveys indicate that a vast majority of Albertans prefer to remain part of a united Canada. According to poll aggregator 338Canada.com, which aggregates data from multiple polling firms, 71% of Albertans support staying within Canada, while only 27% express a desire to leave the federation.