Canada’s highest-ranking RCMP official has informed Indigenous leaders in Alberta that the RCMP will assess the request for a criminal treason investigation into the province’s premier and ruling party, a response that has generated optimism among some chiefs.
Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis expressed his satisfaction, stating, “This brings us one step closer to our goal of moving this matter forward.” Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine echoed this sentiment in a separate interview, saying, “They will review the information and 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 under 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 referendum on separation. The Alberta government has characterized the referendum as a respectful and democratic avenue for citizens to voice and discuss valid grievances regarding federal policies and decisions.
According to the Criminal Code, treason is primarily defined as using force to overthrow the government or sharing information with another state that could be used to harm 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 wrote on July 17, “Upon receiving your resolution, the matter was referred to the appropriate investigative units to assess whether the provided information meets the criteria for initiating a criminal investigation.”
The letter was addressed to the leaders of Treaty 6, 7, and 8, as well as the Blackfoot Confederacy, with copies sent to provincial and federal attorneys general Mickey Amery and Sean Fraser. Duheme added, “If the requirements for a formal criminal investigation are met, any investigative measures taken will be conducted thoroughly and objectively, in accordance with Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) protocols.”
Fraser’s office declined to comment, with the Justice Department deferring 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 conducted independently and objectively, based on facts, law, and available evidence. The RCMP stated it does not publicly discuss private correspondence unless criminal charges are filed as a result of an investigation.
Both Chief Bull and Chief Sunshine expressed their satisfaction with the RCMP’s response and emphasized the importance of Indigenous participation in the upcoming referendum while hoping for further actions to be taken.
Premier Smith denounced the treason allegation as disgraceful in June and advised the chiefs to introspect. However, both chiefs dismissed her remarks.
Chief Sunshine indicated his belief that the RCMP is treating the situation, including the separation referendum and associated risks, with utmost seriousness.
