Senior Alberta aide sparks backlash over First Nations criticism
Bruce McAllister, executive director of Premier Smith's office, says chiefs should fix their own communities instead of accusing her of treason.
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The executive director of Premier Danielle Smith's office has drawn sharp criticism after telling First Nations chiefs they should focus on fixing their own communities rather than accusing the premier of treason.
Bruce McAllister posted Thursday on social media that chiefs should address what he called "heartbreaking" problems in their communities: addictions, overdoses, housing shortages, poverty, high unemployment, substandard schooling, high rates of children in care, and domestic violence.
"People are sick and tired of hearing unrealistic demands from them," McAllister wrote, adding the chiefs were engaging in "childish nonsense." He said their misaligned priorities made him wonder if they were "taking orders from someone else."
The post comes after the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs voted to ask the RCMP to investigate whether Smith's October 19 separation referendum amounts to criminal treason. Chiefs earlier called the vote an intentional treaty violation and said the government is ignoring serious risks to Canada's sovereignty.
Smith responded Wednesday, telling reporters the chiefs should "check themselves" for the accusation. Her office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on McAllister's post.
Anne Many Heads, CEO for the Treaty 7 First Nations Chiefs' Association, said in an email that Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut'ina Nation chiefs reserved comment on McAllister's remarks but stand by their earlier statement calling for Smith to be held accountable.
The escalating rhetoric comes as a judge heard arguments Thursday for a potential stay of a court ruling that quashed a separatist petition because the government failed to consult First Nations. The judge reserved her decision.