Trump's 'Annexing Canada' Remarks No Longer a Joke... Tensions Rise After This Woman's Bombshell Declaration [AK Radio]

Alberta Premier Hints at Possible Independence Referendum
Clash with Canadian Federal Government's Green Policies

Geopolitical tensions in North America are rising as Alberta, a province in western Canada, has officially raised the possibility of secession from the Canadian federation. With U.S. President Donald Trump continuing to make remarks about annexing Canada since taking office, Alberta's recent announcement is emerging not just as a threat, but as a plausible scenario.

Daniel Smith Alberta Premier. Photo by AP Yonhap News

On the 6th (local time), Alberta Premier Danielle Smith delivered a strong message to the Canadian federal government. She made a bombshell declaration, stating, "If the central government continues to pressure our oil industry, we may hold a secession referendum next year." She particularly emphasized, "If the oil and gas industry is stifled or if unrealistic targets for the power grid are imposed, there will be no choice but to invoke the Sovereignty Act or hold a secession referendum."

She went on to criticize the Canadian central government's carbon tax policy, arguing that it is undermining the regional economy. She made it clear that if the pressure from green policies continues, Alberta would consider leaving Canada. Many local residents are responding positively to her stance, and the controversy is spreading both within and outside Canada.

Alberta is a vast province located in western Canada, boasting an area about three times the size of the entire Korean Peninsula. It borders the U.S. state of Montana and, despite having a population of only about 4 million, accounts for over 80% of Canada's oil and gas production, making it a crucial region. The energy resources produced here make up 15% of Canada's total GDP, and most of them are exported to the United States.

Following the launch of the second Trump administration, conflicts between the U.S. and Canada have intensified, and the U.S. has increased tariff pressure, putting Alberta's economy under serious threat. Since exports to the U.S. are the lifeline of Alberta's economy, the impact of high tariffs is devastating. Politically, Alberta is a strongly conservative region, and with the continued rule of progressive governments in Canada, dissatisfaction with the central government has been accumulating. The secessionist movement itself dates back to the 1930s, giving it a significant historical background.

Currently, the legal conditions for Alberta's secession under Canadian law are quite strict. According to a 1998 Supreme Court of Canada decision, no province in Canada can unilaterally decide to become independent. Secession would require clear majority support and constitutional amendment negotiations with the federal government and other provinces.

However, the situation could change entirely if the United States intervenes. If Alberta, which is highly dependent on exports to the U.S., approves secession through a referendum and then requests protection or incorporation by the United States, the issue could escalate into an international diplomatic matter that cannot be resolved solely under Canadian domestic law. The current Trump administration is showing strong interest in annexing Canadian regions, and Alberta, with its abundant energy resources, is closely tied to the Trump administration's energy policy.

If Alberta's secession succeeds, other regions in Canada?especially Quebec in the east, which has a history of independence movements?may also attempt to secede. Quebec has already held two secession referendums, in 1980 and 1995, and in the 1995 vote, as many as 49% voted in favor. If Alberta and Quebec both pursue secession and the U.S. intervenes, there are growing concerns that the very existence of the Canadian federation could be at risk.

On the 6th (local time), Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (left) held a summit meeting with President Donald Trump (right) during his visit to the White House in the United States. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

In this context, on the 6th, President Trump stated during a summit with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that "if Canada becomes the 51st state, Canadian citizens will receive various benefits." When Prime Minister Carney countered, "Canada is not for sale," President Trump responded, "Nothing is ever impossible."

International Impact and Implications for South Korea: The current actions of the United States are being analyzed as highly unusual in the 21st-century international community, resembling the "beggar-thy-neighbor" policies of the 19th-century era of imperialism. "Beggar-thy-neighbor" refers to the act of economically impoverishing neighboring countries and then incorporating them into one's own sphere of economic influence. If the United States forcibly annexes an allied country like Canada in this way, other allies may have no choice but to reconsider their relationships with the U.S. There are also counterarguments that such a move could result in significant diplomatic losses for the United States itself.

Meanwhile, this diplomatic conflict between the United States and Canada is presenting opportunities for South Korea from another perspective. Canada is reducing its imports of U.S. weapons while increasing purchases from South Korean defense companies, and has recently referred to South Korea as "the new arsenal of democracy." However, as a key U.S. ally, South Korea must remain cautious. Since what is happening in Canada could potentially happen to South Korea as well, it is important to take advantage of current opportunities while closely monitoring the diplomatic trends of the U.S. alliance.