Alberta separatist lawyer appeals court order stripping him of First Nation trust duties
Jeff Rath, a lawyer linked to Alberta separatism, is challenging a judge’s decision that temporarily removed his firm as trustee of a Tallcree First Nation trust account.
Rath, identified with the Alberta separatist movement, faces a lawsuit from Tallcree First Nation chief Rupert Meneen concerning the administration of a trust funded by a 2017 federal agricultural benefits settlement exceeding $50 million. Meneen claims Rath diverted millions, while Rath denies the accusations in court filings. In June, Justice Shane Parker of the Calgary Court of King's Bench ordered that Rath’s company be temporarily removed as trustee of the account.
On July 24, Rath lodged a notice of appeal with the Court of Appeal of Alberta, alleging nine errors by Justice Parker, including reliance on irrelevant factors and denial of a fair hearing. He is asking the appellate court to set aside the order and grant an interim stay. Matthew Sammon, representing Meneen, argues the appeal is unfounded and should be rejected with costs, warning of a vigorous response if the appeal proceeds.
Why it matters
The case could determine how Indigenous trust funds are managed and impact confidence in legal oversight of such accounts.
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