Canada’s highest-ranking RCMP official has informed Indigenous leaders in Alberta that the police force will assess the chiefs’ request for a criminal treason probe into the province’s premier and ruling party, a development that has left some chiefs feeling hopeful.
Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis, who spearheaded the case for the allegation, expressed optimism, stating, “It’s a step closer to our goal in moving this matter forward.”
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine, in a separate discussion, shared his hopefulness, saying, “They will review the information provided and decide if it warrants an investigation, so I am optimistic about the outcome.”
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 look into whether Premier Danielle Smith and other United Conservative Party members might have committed treason as per Section 46 of the Criminal Code.
Premier Smith has scheduled a referendum for October 19 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 voice and discuss legitimate discontent with federal policies.
As per the Criminal Code, treason is primarily defined as the use of force to overthrow the government or sharing information with another state that could harm Canada’s safety or defense.
Following the passing 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 a letter dated July 17 addressed to the leaders of Treaty 6, 7, and 8, and the Blackfoot Confederacy, and copied to provincial and federal attorneys general Mickey Amery and Sean Fraser, stated, “Upon receiving your resolution, the matter was referred to the relevant operational and investigative units to assess if the information provided meets the threshold for initiating a criminal investigation.”
The letter further assured, “If the criteria for a formal criminal investigation are met, any investigative steps taken will be conducted thoroughly and objectively, in line with RCMP policy.”
In response to queries, 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 released on Friday, RCMP headquarters in Ottawa emphasized that such evaluations are carried out independently and objectively, based on facts, law, and available evidence. The RCMP indicated that it does not comment on private communications unless criminal charges are laid following an investigation.
Chief Sunshine remarked that he believes the RCMP is treating the matter seriously, highlighting concerns about the ongoing situation related to the separation referendum and associated risks.
Chief Bull expressed satisfaction with the RCMP’s response and is hopeful for further progress. In the interim, Indigenous communities are encouraging their members to participate in the upcoming referendum.
Reflecting on the situation, Bull remarked, “I had hoped the federal government would intervene and point out that they lack support and are wasting taxpayers’ money. Ultimately, this effort appears futile and serves as a distraction.”
In June, Premier Smith denounced the treason allegation as disgraceful and advised the chiefs to “check themselves.” However, both chiefs dismissed her remarks.
Sunshine stated, “I believe the RCMP is approaching this matter with seriousness,” alluding to the broader context surrounding the separation referendum and potential risks involved.
