The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs has unanimously called for an immediate treason investigation into Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and members of the United Conservative Party regarding the province's independence referendum. The resolution, passed during a meeting in Calgary, urges the RCMP and the auditor general to probe whether their actions violate Section 46 of the Criminal Code of Canada, which governs treason and high treason.
Background of the Resolution
Comprising leadership from Treaties No. 6, No. 7, and No. 8, the assembly's decision follows Premier Smith's announcement last month that a question on separation would be included in the Oct. 19 referendum. The question asks: “Should Alberta remain a province of Canada or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?”
Assembly's Concerns
In a media release, the assembly stated: “We call for this investigation on the basis of the intentional violation of the Treaties; of calling a referendum in the face of severe risks to Canada’s sovereignty and the Treaty Relationship and of failing to take action on the violation of privacy rights of millions of people. Further, Premier Smith and the UCP government have done all this with significant risks of foreign interference and influence.”
The assembly emphasized that the RCMP is committed to ensuring the safety of First Nations, and the Crown guaranteed peace and goodwill in exchange for sharing the lands since the time of Treaty. They are united in calling for a full investigation to fulfill these commitments.
Premier's Response
Premier Smith dismissed the call as “disgraceful” while attending an event at Heritage Park. “I think it’s disgraceful that any government that wants to be taken seriously would level charges that serious against another government,” she said. “Look, I’ve had my differences with the federal government, but I have never used language like that.”
Smith argued that such overwrought language has no place in a democracy. She noted that her government regularly meets with chiefs and holds protocol tables with multiple ministers. “You know what I ask them? I say, ‘Well, how many times have you met with the prime minister when he’s brought together 10 or 14 of his ministers to deal with your concerns,’” Smith said. “And you know what the answer is? Never. It doesn’t happen. Ever.”
