Canada’s highest-ranking RCMP official has assured First Nations leaders in Alberta that the RCMP will assess the request for a criminal treason inquiry 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 conducted research and put together the case for the accusation, expressed optimism, saying, “It’s a step closer to achieving our goal in bringing this matter to light.”
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine, in a separate statement, stated, “They will review the information and determine if there is sufficient grounds to launch an investigation, so I remain optimistic that they will proceed.”
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 members of the United Conservative Party may have committed treason under Section 46 of the Criminal Code.
Premier Smith has scheduled an October 19 referendum for Albertans to decide whether to remain in Canada or hold a second referendum on separation. The Alberta government asserts that the referendum offers a respectful and democratic platform for citizens to voice and discuss legitimate concerns about federal policies.
Treason, as defined in the Criminal Code, involves using force to overthrow the government or sharing information with another state that could jeopardize Canada’s safety or defense.
Following the resolution’s passing, 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, informed the leaders of Treaty 6, 7, and 8, and the Blackfoot Confederacy, copying provincial and federal attorneys general Mickey Amery and Sean Fraser. Duheme stated that if the criteria for a formal criminal investigation are met, the RCMP would proceed with the investigation in accordance with their policies.
Fraser’s office declined to comment, and the Justice Department referred inquiries to the RCMP. Amery’s office redirected queries to Alberta’s Ministry of Indigenous Relations, which had not responded at the time of publication.
In a statement from RCMP headquarters in Ottawa on Friday, it was mentioned that assessments are carried out independently and objectively based on available facts, law, and evidence. The RCMP emphasized that they do not comment on private correspondence unless criminal charges are laid.
“Generally, only in the event that an investigation results in the laying of criminal charges, would the RCMP confirm the existence of the investigation,” explained spokesperson Lisa McDonald-Bourg.
The premier has affirmed her vote for Alberta to remain part of Canada. However, the treaty chiefs have accused Smith and the UCP of promoting separatism through their actions, breaching treaties, risking foreign interference, and neglecting proper consultation with First Nations.
Sunshine criticized the premier’s changing stance, stating, “While she portrays herself as a patriotic Canadian, their actions are undermining their position in Confederation.”
Bull expressed satisfaction with the RCMP’s response and hopes for progress. In the meantime, First Nations are urging their people to participate in the upcoming referendum.
“I had hoped the federal government would intervene and point out the lack of support and the wastage of taxpayers’ money. Ultimately, this is a futile effort and more of a diversionary tactic,” said Bull.
In June, Smith denounced the treason accusation as disgraceful and advised the chiefs to “rethink their stance.” Both chiefs dismissed her remarks.
Sunshine believes that the Mounties are treating the situation seriously, encompassing the separation referendum and associated risks.