Alberta separatism debate has a foreign interference problem. Your movement needs legitimacy. Some supporters are meeting with White House officials. Steve Bannon's show is talking about taking over Alberta. Trump's treasury pick is commenting on Alberta referendums. David Eby called it treasonous. Now imagine if Jesse Ventura was meeting with Ottawa about Minnesota joining Canada. That's how Americans would react to this.

Danielle Smith won't demonize the 20% of Albertans sympathetic to separation, but she punted on denouncing those seeking American help. Rob Breakenridge draws the line there: going to any foreign capital asking them to help break up Canada is easy enough to denounce. The problem for the separatist movement? If you get linked to an incredibly unpopular US president, your support craters. Thirty percent open to the idea becomes much less when Donald Trump's name attaches to it. And if people start associating it with joining the US instead of becoming a separate country, that's not the association you want.

BC and Alberta premiers are playing nice under the Trump threat, trying to rebuild Team Canada. Pipeline tensions remain. Eby's firm on tanker bans, though Trans Mountain expansion might be possible. But the squeaky wheel might be getting the wrong kind of grease. The attention separatists crave could backfire when it comes from Washington instead of Ottawa.

Topics: Alberta separatism, Western independence movement, US interference Canada, provincial politics, Trump Canada

GUEST: Rob Breakenridge | robbreakenridge.ca, @robbreakenridge

Originally aired on 2026-01-29

Alberta separatism debate has a foreign interference problem. Your movement needs legitimacy. Some supporters are meeting with White House officials. Steve Bannon's show is talking about taking over Alberta. Trump's treasury pick is commenting on Alberta referendums. David Eby called it treasonous. Now imagine if Jesse Ventura was meeting with Ottawa about Minnesota joining Canada. That's how Americans would react to this.
Danielle Smith won't demonize the 20% of Albertans sympathetic to separation, but she punted on denouncing those seeking American help. Rob Breakenridge draws the line there: going to any foreign capital asking them to help break up Canada is easy enough to denounce. The problem for the separatist movement? If you get linked to an incredibly unpopular US president, your support craters. Thirty percent open to the idea becomes much less when Donald Trump's name attaches to it. And if people start associating it with joining the US instead of becoming a separate country, that's not the association you want.
BC and Alberta premiers are playing nice under the Trump threat, trying to rebuild Team Canada. Pipeline tensions remain. Eby's firm on tanker bans, though Trans Mountain expansion might be possible. But the squeaky wheel might be getting the wrong kind of grease. The attention separatists crave could backfire when it comes from Washington instead of Ottawa.
Topics: Alberta separatism, Western independence movement, US interference Canada, provincial politics, Trump Canada
GUEST:&nbsp;Rob Breakenridge | robbreakenridge.ca, @robbreakenridge
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-29

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.