Foreign adversaries are meddling in the Alberta separatist debate in ways that threaten Canada’s sovereignty and national security, warns a report released Wednesday.
The study by leading information researchers said American and Russian actors were playing a dangerous role in the province’s dispute over seceding from Canada.
“While homegrown, the movement has become an attractive target for foreign exploitation,” said the study, “National Unity Under Threat: Foreign Interference, Cognitive Sovereignty and the Alberta Referendum.”
As they amplify separatist voices and normalize American annexation of Canada, these outside forces are posing a direct threat to Canada’s “democratic integrity,” it said.
Moscow has a long history of peddling disinformation that aims to undermine Canada, but U.S. officials and influencers aligned with President Donald Trump have now joined in, it said.
Profiteers are also muddying the information environment with artificial intelligence products that spread fake political commentary on the separation issue, according to the report.
Together, the exploitation by hostile foreign interests is eroding the ability of Canadians to make well-informed political choices, according to the researchers.
“Canadians have the right to debate Confederation, federalism, regional grievances, and Alberta’s future freely and openly,” the researchers wrote in the report.
“The danger is not the existence of that debate,” said the study backed by five think tanks, including DisinfoWatch and the Global Centre for Democratic Resilience.
“The danger is that foreign governments, state-aligned media, ideological networks, and profit-driven manipulation systems are seeking to distort it.”
The authors, who include disinformation experts Marcus Kolga and Jennie Phillips, said Canada was vulnerable to such interference and urged Ottawa to act quickly.
To “inoculate the public against manipulation,” the federal government needs to begin preparing before an Alberta referendum campaign gets underway, they said.
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A group advocating Alberta separatism announced on Monday that it had gathered the signatures required to trigger a provincewide vote on leaving Canada.
The question could now go to the ballot box in October — although the campaign still faces a legal challenge brought by Alberta Indigenous groups.
The RCMP and Elections Alberta are also investigating the use of a voters list by one of the organizations involved in the separatist cause.
At the same time, the issue has suddenly become a regular topic among prominent right-wing American influencers who command big audiences.
The “MAGA-aligned influencer ecosystem” has used its large online platforms to promote Alberta independence and a U.S. takeover of Canadian territory, the study said.
“This matters because influencers increasingly command more attention than traditional institutions and can move fringe narratives into mainstream political debate.”
For its part, Russia has engaged more covertly on the issue as part of its long-term campaign to exploit divisions in western democracies, the study said.
Pro-Kremlin news channels have given sustained coverage to Alberta in recent months, far more than to Ontario, and amplified the memes fuelling separatist sentiment.
“The content repeatedly portrays Alberta separatism as popular, Alberta as economically exploited, and foreign support or recognition as plausible.”
Russia also allegedly funded an American online platform whose influencers have promoted Alberta’s separation and annexation by the U.S.
Disinformation was among the topics highlighted in the latest Canadian Security Intelligence Service annual report to Parliament released on Friday.
“Russian state-linked actors often hide behind networks of proxies who amplify the Kremlin’s messaging,” the intelligence service wrote.
“CSIS continues to identify, investigate, and reduce Russia’s adaptive and sophisticated disinformation methods in support of the government of Canada’s broader efforts to protect Canadians against the harmful effects of misinformation and hostile disinformation campaigns.”
Stewart.Bell@globalnews.ca
Crazy what happens when you leak a database of 3 million voters.
Global news
Restore all comments your pathetic for following the governments censorship agenda.
Restore the comment that called you guys out about the 60 million dollar bribe Global news took.
You really are not helping you case
Wow, looking at the comments I wonder why mine was censored? I was simple reiterating what millions of Canadians are feeling and in a much nicer way than some of these comments. I guess I should be used to be targeted for speaking the truth.
We all know where the trouble lies. At least those of us with half a brain and common sense can see it. Ottawa and the Liberals. In BC, its Eby and his NDP clowns. Its anyone who believes in separation and division. Includes the FN.
That includes anyone who is anti Canadian. A fascist. Our media is complicit in it all for a few handfuls of cash.
Russia and China, of course they are involved. Because Ottawa is so weak! When Trudeau beaked about ‘transparent government’, he wasn’t talking about what we, the Canadian peon sees. He was talking about the,’ here we are come get us’, display for the rest of world. He sold Canada out to f*scism, lock, stock and no oil by the barrel.
What a hilariously pathetic insult to journalism. Any Albertan with more than 2 brain cells doesn’t need any outside influence to realize that Ottawa is the leading cause of the death of Canada….
@anonymous Thanks for the separatist support. But we will be keeping the oil, and the Indians can keep their land. However we may need to fence off the Rez’s. Maybe put border control on the highways in and out. Lol
The liberals need to pass a Bill that makes it illegal for Albertans to even talk about seperation, cried the Left.
After noshing on some tax dollars, “I’ll sign that” burped Mark Carney.
Shoddiest reporting. Perhaps some “evidence” or examples to help the public understand and identify? Or like most Canadian sheep we’re supposed to just trust the media and the so-called “experts.” I’m not even saying they’re wrong – but this facile piece of rage bait is just so much… nothing.
But its fine when China gets Mark Carney elected and the Liberal party along with CSIS openly admits it? 🤣 Try harder with your propaganda global. Interference is irrelevant. Albertans are ready to start the healing AWAY from the agressive tyrants in Ottawa.
What a blatant fabrication of a story. Congratulations on once again demonstrating that you cannot be trusted to produce journalism grounded in facts rather than narrative. This is little more than a feelings-driven report designed to sow further division in our country.
If you are genuinely concerned about the growing movement for Alberta to separate, then perhaps you should contribute constructively by offering real solutions. Instead of inflaming tensions, focus on honestly reporting the legitimate grievances and root causes driving this sentiment—rather than fueling the very fire you claim to fear.
Canadian biased media, no mention of France or Quebec or the actual Liberal Party themselves pushing legislation to silence Canadians? Seems to me the Russian statement claimed here are factually accurate! Having lived in Canada over 5 decades, I reflect on the honor, integrity and character lost!
No wonder they want to separate; Canada is selling out to Billionaires, immigrants and the ariyan indigenous to which the entire country apparently now belongs and has always belonged to. If I wasn’t born here, I’d be leaving myself.
LOL! Russia!
Alberta can leave Canada and become Albertans instead of Canadians, and no one is saying they can’t or debating that point, but you’re not taking Indigenous land nor all the oil and other resources with you because that doesn’t belong to “Albertans”, don’t believe that? FAFO.
Maybe they should address the the biased reporting and slanted information provided by the networks lije CBC!
This article in it’s self is adding to the disinformation and it also is outsiders trying to influence the people of Alberta. It is an effort to discredit the Albertans for Alberta.
Honestly, I hate our government so much and they can clearly keep getting away with whatever they want. Separation would be such a nice way to screw them.
Now do china and the liberal party
No Russian has ever influenced me. I was influenced by Pierre Trudeau during the National Energy Program… and his one finger salute.
More liberal lies
No Russian has ever influenced me. I was influenced by Pierre Trudeau during the National Energy Program.
Russia Russia Russia ha ha now your including the US. How pathetic. We do know China is trying hard to own Canada.
I have heard there are a lot of Republican/American vehicle plates in northern Alberta in the west. Bad sign.
The true sentiment is that Albertans want to be Albertans. We don’t wanna be American, we’re done with being Canadian, and we’d likely fight to the death to not become anything but Albertans.
Cbc+ctv+gbt+Lib=Disinfo
Alb(ind)=Truth×Freedom
Cbc+ctv+gbt+lib=Disinfo
Alb(ind)= Freedom×Truth
Of course there being influenced by the Us and Russia the weak minded are easily manipulated!!
Apparently, so are a bunch of fake ‘Alberta Strong” youtube sites from the Netherlands cashing on easily triggered looser Albertan, clickick baiting the site. LOL!
The two things, that trigger Canadians are US and Russia, this has PMO all over it.
…russians and ‘merkins’ even busy on here…think critically and for yourself. Don’t just parrot what you here…
Boy will these people be surprised when they realize its really Albertans leading this charge.
Do you go by “Anonymous” because you don’t want people to know you can’t read? You say, “the study by leading information researchers … no names, nothing.”
The NAME of the study is ” “National Unity Under Threat: Foreign Interference, Cognitive Sovereignty and the Alberta Referendum.”
The NAMES of two of the authors are “disinformation experts Marcus Kolga and Jennie Phillips.”
The NAMES of the five think tanks that back it include “DisinfoWatch and the Global Centre for Democratic Resilience.” All of that information is in the Global article.
Putin can’t even defeat Ukraine. His soldiers are getting eliminated by drones before they even can get to the front. But Putin doesn’t care. He is only focused on Alberta Independence.
How does Global News and the rest of the paid for media sleep at night after having lied to the public over and over again? You think you are immune from consequences. You will have to give account for every lie when you face God.
境外黑势力插手。相同的配方，熟悉的味道。
The study by leading information researchers … no names, nothing ,just chicken little the sky is falling. Evidence free reporting from Global.
I Heard Russia is interfering in Global News reporting better look into that
Yup there is Russian agents and space aliens under everyone’s bed now. The people that are fed up with the way Alberta has been treated since 1905 really don’t care what the Canadian media has to say.
Ah yes global lying again. Sovereignty is a grassroots movement. Yes there is encouragement from the US because they recognize the corrupt regime the federal government has become.
In the eyes of the far left, all normal behaviors are far right.
Is anyone shocked by this news . Now Russia has done it for years, it’s in their DNA. Like in the 70’s I worked at a satellite research station , and Russia would try to jam our signals, It wasn’t military, it was just something to annoy people. As for the US/Trump, 51st state is still on their menu.
Separatists are traitors. Period. Gtfo of Canada, leave, and take your whining grandiose stupidity where it belongs
Haha, you talk about Democratic integrity. Look how the liberals just secured an majority. There is no integrity left in this Country.
What would be the reaction from the US if we did similar things?
no one has interfered in my choice Ottawa has made it clear to me with there own actions period. Gun bans, pipeline approvals, massive taxation, and all-around distain for a different view. Listen i have more in comin with USA then i due with eastern Canada
I am a total nut job
Death to the fascist American regime
This has been going on for 10 years. You’re late reporting on your own funeral. Conservatives have self identified as the enemies of freedom worldwide, parasites, oil industry liars
Maybe they should look deeper into the far left attacks on our democracy taking place in the PM’s office, and the erosion of our culture and way of life.
Of course, PP won’t accept being sworn in to see where foreign interference may lie. Because, again, he would need to recognize the people interfering in public, and need to work to stamp it out. As federal leader, he’s the big cheese and would need to address it with any and all positions below his.
Can’t have that, now can we.
He’d have to also recognize and address the IDU influence on his very position over the past 2 decades as well….
I wonder how much canada interferes with russian politics. Their people probably don’t think idiots should run their country either.
Rubbish
Let me guess Honda cancelling the EV plant was Trumps fault as well?
Anything that helps Alberta separate from this clown show called Kanada is always a good thing! Elbozos up can suck it!!
unsurprising
Sure they are. Now do the anti Alberta oil movement whis interfering with our domestic resource production/development? Tides, rockerfeller and Eurasia group you know the one mark carneys wife works for
Go Ukraine go!
Putin has wrecked Russia’s economy.
Nice to see.
Their trolls are too cowardly to enlist.
@ Brian: You so stupid you think this is the CBC?
You Russian?
I want to see the evidence not just someone’s claims without providing any evidence.
Russians back PP and Smith here because they know they suck. “Peter Belinski” is the name of one Russian troll baqcking PP
Yeah, that’s obvious. Well, it’s obvious if you’ve been paying attention.
Does this mean Global promoting how many signatures this petition has, but refusing to point out how many signatures the petition to stay in Canada has.
Or it is Smith saying she will put separation on a referendum, if there is enough signatures, but refusing to put the stay in Canada on a referendum as it does have enough signatures, and was first.
Hmmm…
Wow. CBC state run media are doing everything in their power to discredit the Alberta separation movement. The harder they try, the easier it is to see why Alberta needs independence.
Lies
Dear Albertans protect yourselves from the Canadian government and its minions, the CBC, CTV, Global and The Star.
This is where the majority of the misinformation will come from.
here come the russians ti save the feds lol niw ik a paid russian disinformation bot i saw this coming. goooo carney
Russia bad. Russia bad. Why when the left is stealing an election do we never hear about interference but when the looney left agenda governments are threatened then it’s all Russia Russia Russia.
Fuckn yanks and commies