Trump eyeing Canada's oil-rich province? Report claims US officials' secret meet with Alberta separatists The meetings reportedly took place against the backdrop of worsening relations between the US and Canada. His administration officials have held discreet meetings with separatist groups from Alberta, Canada's oil-rich western province, even as relations between Washington and Ottawa have become increasingly strained, the Financial Times has reported. The group is now seeking another meeting next month with officials from the state department and the US Treasury. A symbolic but sensitive engagementAlthough the US is not expected to offer direct assistance, the revelation of meetings with Alberta separatists is politically sensitive.