Canada’s highest-ranking Mountie has informed First Nations leaders in Alberta that the RCMP will assess the chiefs’ request for a criminal treason inquiry into the provincial premier and ruling party. This response has generated optimism among some chiefs.
Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis, who crafted the case for the accusation, expressed, “It’s a step closer to achieving our goal in presenting this matter.” Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine, in a separate discussion, stated, “They will review the information to determine if grounds exist to initiate an investigation, so I am hopeful.”
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 have committed treason under Section 46 of the Criminal Code.
Premier Smith has scheduled an October 19 referendum for Albertans to vote on staying in Canada or triggering a second binding referendum on separation. The Alberta government asserts that the referendum offers a respectful and democratic platform for citizens to express and discuss legitimate grievances with federal policies.
According to the Criminal Code, treason is primarily defined as using force to overthrow the government or sharing information with another state that could jeopardize the safety or defense of Canada.
Following the resolution’s approval, 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, in the July 17 letter addressed to the leaders of Treaty 6, 7, and 8 and the Blackfoot Confederacy, outlined that the matter has been forwarded to relevant operational and investigative units to assess if the provided information meets the criteria for launching a criminal investigation.
The letter also stated that if the threshold for a formal criminal investigation is met, any subsequent steps would be conducted thoroughly and objectively, in line with RCMP policy. The Justice Department deferred to the RCMP, while Fraser’s office and Amery’s office did not provide comments.
In a statement, RCMP headquarters in Ottawa emphasized that assessments are carried out independently and objectively based on available facts, law, and evidence. The RCMP noted that it refrains from commenting on private correspondences unless criminal charges are filed as a result of an investigation.
Chief Bull expressed satisfaction with the Mounties’ response and anticipates further developments. Meanwhile, First Nations are encouraging their members to participate in the upcoming referendum.
Despite Premier Smith’s declaration to vote for Alberta to remain part of Canada, the treaty chiefs accuse her and the UCP of promoting separatism, breaching treaties, risking foreign interference, and failing to consult adequately with First Nations. Sunshine criticized Smith’s changing stance, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and potential risks surrounding the separation referendum.
In June, Smith labeled the treason accusation as disgraceful and urged the chiefs to “check themselves.” However, both chiefs dismissed her remarks. Sunshine believes that the Mounties are treating the matter seriously, underscoring the gravity of the situation concerning the separation referendum and associated risks.