Canada’s chief of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has informed Indigenous leaders in Alberta that the RCMP will assess their request for a criminal treason probe into the province’s premier and ruling party, a move that has sparked optimism among some chiefs.
Chief Desmond Bull of the Louis Bull Tribe in Maskwacis, who initiated the case, expressed, “This is a positive step towards our objective.” Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Chief Sheldon Sunshine, in a separate statement, stated, “They will review the information to determine if an investigation is warranted, so I am hopeful.”
The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs, representing 48 First Nations across Treaty 6, Treaty 7, and Treaty 8 territories in Alberta, passed a unanimous resolution on June 16 urging the RCMP and auditor general to look into whether Premier Danielle Smith and other United Conservative Party members may have committed treason under Section 46 of the Criminal Code.
Premier Smith has scheduled an October 19 referendum for Albertans to decide on staying in Canada or holding a second binding referendum on separation. The Alberta government views the referendum as a respectful democratic process for citizens to voice and discuss legitimate grievances with federal policies.
Treason, as per the Criminal Code, involves using force to overthrow the government or sharing information with another state that could compromise Canada’s safety or defense.
After receiving the resolution, the assembly forwarded it to the RCMP, which responded a month later in a letter obtained by CBC Indigenous. RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme stated on July 17 that the matter was being reviewed for potential criminal investigation.
In the letter addressed to the leaders of Treaty 6, 7, and 8 and the Blackfoot Confederacy, Duheme ensured that if the criteria for a formal criminal investigation are met, the RCMP would proceed objectively and thoroughly in line with their policies.
The RCMP headquarters in Ottawa emphasized in a statement that assessments are conducted independently and objectively, based on facts, law, and evidence available. The RCMP clarified that they do not comment on private communications and would only confirm an investigation if criminal charges are laid.
The chief of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Sunshine, believes that the Mounties are treating the matter seriously, given the implications of the separation referendum and associated risks.
Chief Bull expressed satisfaction with the RCMP’s response and hopes for further action. In the meantime, Indigenous groups are encouraging their members to participate in the referendum.
Despite Premier Smith denouncing the treason accusation as baseless in June and advising chiefs to reconsider, both Bull and Sunshine have disregarded her remarks.
Sunshine remarked that he perceives the RCMP’s approach as diligent, indicating the gravity of the situation surrounding the separation referendum and its potential consequences.
