Canada’s highest-ranking RCMP official has informed First Nations leaders in Alberta that the RCMP will assess the chiefs’ request for a criminal investigation into the province’s premier and ruling party for treason, a development that has generated hope among some chiefs.
Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis, who carried out research and prepared the case for the accusation, expressed optimism, stating, “It’s a step in the right direction towards our objectives.” Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine echoed this sentiment in a separate interview, saying, “They will review the information to determine if there is sufficient grounds to initiate an investigation, so I am hopeful that there is.”
The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs, representing 48 First Nations in Alberta across Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8 territory, unanimously passed a resolution on June 16 urging the RCMP and auditor general to investigate whether Premier Danielle Smith and other members of the United Conservative Party have committed 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 separation referendum. The Alberta government maintains that the referendum offers a respectful and democratic platform for citizens to voice and discuss legitimate grievances with 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 the safety or defense of Canada.
Following the passage of the resolution, 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 letter dated July 17, stated, “The matter was referred to the appropriate operational and investigative departments upon receipt of your resolution to determine if the provided information meets the requirements for initiating 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. Duheme further mentioned, “Should the criteria for a formal criminal investigation be met, any investigative actions taken would be conducted thoroughly and objectively, in line with RCMP policy.”
Fraser’s office declined to comment, while 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 that such assessments are carried out independently and objectively, based on facts, law, and available evidence. The RCMP clarified that it does not comment on private correspondence and would only confirm the existence of an investigation if criminal charges are laid.
Chief Bull expressed satisfaction with the RCMP’s response and expressed hope for further progress. In the meantime, First Nations are urging their members to participate in the upcoming referendum.
While Chief Sunshine criticized Premier Smith for her shifting stance on the matter, he highlighted the seriousness with which he believes the Mounties are approaching the situation surrounding the separation referendum and its associated risks.