A new report from Canadian monitoring platform DisinfoWatch warns that foreign actors from the United States and Russia are spreading disinformation online about Alberta’s separatist movement through fake articles, podcasts and social media content.
The report, released Wednesday by DisinfoWatch researchers, says the campaigns are increasingly using artificial intelligence-generated content to influence political debate ahead of Alberta’s possible separation referendum later this year.
According to the report, Russian-linked networks and U.S.-based influencers with large online followings are amplifying misleading narratives portraying Alberta separatism as more popular and internationally supported than it may actually be.
Researchers said Kremlin-aligned websites associated with the Pravda News Network have been publishing content claiming Alberta is economically exploited within Canada and suggesting foreign recognition of independence is plausible.
The report warns such campaigns can weaken public trust in democratic institutions, increase political polarization and create a false perception of instability in Canada.
It also cautions that exaggerated narratives surrounding separatism could negatively affect investor confidence and Canada’s international reputation.
Researchers say some of the misleading AI-generated content is being produced by “economic opportunists” seeking clicks and online engagement, referring to the phenomenon as “slopaganda.”
The report notes that some American influencers have amplified separatist messaging following comments by Donald Trump regarding Canada, including repeated remarks about annexation.
It also claims Alberta separatist leaders have met with senior U.S. officials on at least three occasions since Trump’s inauguration.
Researchers believe misinformation campaigns could intensify as Alberta moves closer to a possible October referendum on separation.
Potential future false narratives could involve voter eligibility, ballot counting, foreign funding, referendum rules and misleading claims that a referendum result would automatically lead to independence.
Despite the concerns, the report acknowledges Alberta’s separatist movement is rooted in genuine political and economic frustrations felt by some residents.
The report recommends Canada increase investments in disinformation detection, strengthen local journalism and improve public awareness around online misinformation before any referendum campaign gains momentum.
During debate in the Alberta legislature Wednesday, David Shepherd cited the report while raising concerns about foreign interference and data privacy issues involving separatist organizations.
Shepherd questioned whether Alberta was prepared to ensure the integrity of a referendum vote.
Mike Ellis responded by saying the provincial government has not received any credible information suggesting foreign interference is affecting Alberta’s separatist movement.