Canadian researchers are warning of foreign efforts to influence Alberta's separatism debate, saying both Russian and American actors are spreading divisive messages online and fuelling tensions over the province's place in Canada.
The researchers describe two strands of activity. The American involvement has been overt, with prominent U.S. right-wing influencers openly weighing in on the debate.
The second is an alleged covert campaign, uncovered by Canadian researchers using artificial intelligence, which found websites linked to Russian operators spreading misinformation and producing what the researchers described as thousands of articles every week.
Much of that content spreads on Canadian social media, often without users knowing where it originated.
According to the research, recurring narratives include claims that a referendum would be rigged, that Ottawa is deliberately exploiting Alberta's resources, and that separation is the only solution to resolve Albertans' grievances.
Some of the outlets involved are closely aligned with the Russian government, such as RT, while others are proxies that Canadian and U.S. authorities have described as active agents or mouthpieces for Moscow.
In a statement to CBC News, Canada's spy agency, CSIS, said any instance where a foreign state actor or proxy might seek to use covert or obfuscated means to divide Canadians, amplify false narratives or deceptively interfere in domestic political processes would be of concern, and that it would investigate. The agency would not confirm whether any investigation is under way.
The findings come as Albertans prepare to go to the polls in October, when voters will decide whether to move the province one step closer to a binding vote on separation.