Canada’s highest-ranking RCMP official has informed First Nations leaders in Alberta that the RCMP will examine the chiefs’ request for a criminal treason probe into the province’s premier and ruling party. This response has sparked optimism among some chiefs.
Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis, who led the research and development of the case, expressed, “It’s a significant step forward in our pursuit to bring this matter to light.” Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine, in a separate interview, shared his hopefulness, stating, “They will assess the information provided to determine if there is a basis for launching an investigation.”
The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs, representing 48 First Nations in Alberta under Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8 territories, unanimously passed a resolution on June 16 urging the RCMP and auditor general to investigate whether Premier Danielle Smith and other United Conservative Party members could be charged with treason under Section 46 of the Criminal Code.
Premier Smith has scheduled an October 19 referendum for Albertans to decide whether to remain part of Canada or proceed with a second binding referendum on separation. The Alberta government asserts that the referendum serves as a respectful and democratic platform for citizens to voice and discuss valid concerns regarding federal policies and decisions.
Treason, as defined in the Criminal Code, primarily involves using force to overthrow the government or sharing information with another state that could jeopardize Canada’s safety or defense.
Subsequent to the resolution’s passage, the assembly forwarded the resolution to the RCMP, which, a month later, responded in a letter obtained by CBC Indigenous this week. RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, in the letter dated July 17, assured, “The matter has been referred to the appropriate operational and investigative departments to assess if the provided information meets the criteria for initiating a criminal investigation.”
The letter was addressed to 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. Duheme emphasized that should the threshold for a formal criminal investigation be met, all investigative procedures would be conducted meticulously and impartially in line with RCMP policies.
Fraser’s office declined to comment, and the Justice Department deferred to the RCMP. Amery’s office redirected inquiries to Alberta’s Ministry of Indigenous Relations, which had not responded at the time of publication.
In a statement issued on Friday, RCMP headquarters in Ottawa emphasized the independent and objective nature of such assessments, based on facts, law, and available evidence. The RCMP stated that it refrains from discussing private communications and only confirms the existence of an investigation if it results in criminal charges being laid.
Chief Bull expressed satisfaction with the RCMP’s response and anticipates further action. In the meantime, First Nations leaders are encouraging community members to participate in the upcoming referendum.
Chief Sunshine criticized the premier’s shifting stance and expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the separation referendum. He believes that the Mounties are treating the situation with the gravity it deserves.
In June, Premier Smith denounced the treason accusation as disgraceful and advised the chiefs to reflect on their actions. Both chiefs dismissed her comments as irrelevant.