Assets of Alberta separatist leader frozen in dispute with First Nation

Jeffrey Rath shows his support for Mitch Sylvestre as he submits signatures for a separation referendum to Elections Alberta in Edmonton, on Monday, May 4, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

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.

Justice 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.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2026.

Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press