Assets of Alberta separatist leader frozen in dispute with First Nation

An Alberta court has temporarily frozen about $8.5 million in assets linked to separatist figure Jeffrey Rath amid an ongoing dispute with Tallcree First Nation

An Alberta court has temporarily frozen up to $8.5 million in assets held by one of the province’s most recognizable separatist leaders.

Justice Michael Marion granted an interim injunction last week preventing Jeffrey Rath and his law firm from transferring the assets until a Wednesday hearing.

It’s part of an ongoing legal battle between the Tallcree First Nation and Rath, the First Nation’s former lawyer, over control of a multimillion-dollar trust fund established in 2017.

Chief Rupert Meneen alleges in a legal brief that Rath misappropriated approximately $6.4 million from the trust in excessive and improper fees.

Marion says in the order that there are reasonable grounds to believe the assets would be “dissipated or removed” before the case is decided in court.

In a June court filing, Rath says his fees were allowed under terms of the trust agreement approved by a majority of Tallcree members and that the trust has been subjected to years of litigation and expenses caused by the chief.

The First Nation will comment publicly on Wednesday.

Rath told CTV News on Tuesday he does not yet have further comment.

‘Kick him out’: NDP

Alberta NDP MLA Kathleen Ganley believes the UCP should revoke Rath’s party membership.

Speaking to media Tuesday in front of the Calgary Courts Centre, the Calgary-Mountain View representative accused Rath of dividing Albertans.

“These are still allegations,” Ganley said, “but this kind of speaks to the character of the people who are putting forward these messages that Alberta needs to consider separatism.”

“(Premier Danielle Smith) should make it very clear people like this do not belong in a governing party and this person does not have influence.”

The UCP told CTV News it would not confirm the membership of any individual.

A party representative adds that as the matter is before the courts, the party will not be commenting.