Canada’s highest-ranking Mountie has informed First Nations leaders in Alberta that the RCMP will assess the chiefs’ request for a criminal treason investigation into the province’s premier and ruling party, sparking optimism among some chiefs.
Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis, who initiated the case for the allegation, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It’s a step forward towards our goal.” Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine also expressed hope, mentioning, “They will review the information and decide if there is sufficient basis to launch an investigation.”
The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs, representing 48 First Nations in Alberta under Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8, unanimously passed a resolution on June 16 urging the RCMP and auditor general to probe whether Premier Danielle Smith and other United Conservative Party members are engaged in treason under Section 46 of the Criminal Code.
Premier Smith has scheduled a referendum for October 19 for Albertans to decide whether to remain in Canada or proceed with a second binding referendum on separation. The government views the referendum as a respectful democratic process for citizens to express and discuss genuine grievances with federal policies.
Treason, as defined in the Criminal Code, involves using force to overthrow the government or sharing information with another state that could harm Canada’s safety or defense.
Following the resolution’s passage, the assembly forwarded it to the RCMP, which responded a month later in a letter obtained by CBC Indigenous this week. RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme wrote on July 17 that the matter had been forwarded to investigate if the information meets the criteria for a criminal investigation.
The letter was addressed to the leaders of Treaty 6, 7, and 8, and the Blackfoot Confederacy, with copies sent to provincial and federal attorneys general Mickey Amery and Sean Fraser.
RCMP Commissioner Duheme assured in the letter that if the threshold for a formal criminal investigation is met, the process would be conducted objectively and in compliance with RCMP policy. Fraser’s office and the Justice Department declined to comment, deferring to the RCMP. Amery’s office redirected inquiries to Alberta’s Ministry of Indigenous Relations, which has yet to respond.
In a statement, RCMP headquarters in Ottawa emphasized that assessments are carried out independently and objectively based on facts, law, and evidence. The RCMP stated that it refrains from commenting on private communications and would confirm an investigation only if it leads to criminal charges.
Chief Bull welcomed the Mounties’ response and expressed anticipation for further steps. Concurrently, First Nations are encouraging community participation in the upcoming referendum.
Chief Sunshine criticized Premier Smith’s stance, highlighting concerns of jeopardizing Alberta’s position within Confederation. He affirmed his belief that the Mounties are treating the situation seriously, particularly regarding the separation referendum and associated risks.
In June, Premier Smith denounced the treason accusation as disgraceful and advised the chiefs to “reflect on their actions.” However, both chiefs disregarded her remarks.