BC STORIES

Historic Rift: Alberta First Nations Chiefs Unanimously Declare Non-Confidence in UCP Government

Alberta First Nations Chiefs from Treaties 6, 7, and 8 unanimously pass a vote of non-confidence in Premier Danielle Smith’s UCP government over separatist concerns.

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7 months ago

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A Unanimous Rejection of Provincial Leadership

In an unprecedented and unified display of political dissent, First Nations chiefs from across Alberta have formally passed a vote of non-confidence in Premier Danielle Smith and her United Conservative Party (UCP) government. Representing Treaty 6, 7, and 8 nations, the leaders convened at the River Cree Resort in Enoch on Thursday under the banner of the Assembly of Treaty Chiefs (AOTC). The move marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between Indigenous leadership and the provincial administration, signaling a near-total breakdown in the working relationship between the two entities.

Concerns Over Separatist Rhetoric and Constitutional Integrity

The primary driver behind this historic vote is what the chiefs describe as a dangerous and unconstitutional push by the UCP toward Alberta separatism. Indigenous leaders emphasized that their treaties are sacred covenants made directly with the British Crown, not the provincial government. Any attempt to undermine Alberta’s place within the Canadian federation is viewed by the AOTC as a direct violation of those foundational agreements.

Tsuut’ina Nation Head Chief Ellery Starlight was particularly vocal during the proceedings, framing the UCP’s recent legislative and political maneuvers as an affront to the spiritual nature of the treaties. “All chiefs of Alberta have united at the AOTC gathering to take swift action against Premier Danielle Smith and her unconstitutional exercise to separate Alberta from the Crown,” Starlight said in a statement. He reminded the public and the government of the enduring nature of these pacts, famously described as lasting “as long as the sun shines, grass grows and the rivers flow.”

The Blackfoot Confederacy and the Defense of Treaty Rights

Echoing these sentiments, the Blackfoot Confederacy Chiefs issued their own stern warning against the provincial government’s rhetoric. The Confederacy, which includes the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai Nations, made it clear that they would not support a government that flirts with the idea of separation. “Our treaties are with the Crown and are sacred. Our rights are non-negotiable,” the Confederacy stated. They expressed deep concern that the UCP’s focus on provincial autonomy ignores the legal and moral obligations the government has toward Indigenous peoples, potentially eroding the foundations of the treaty relationship that predates the province itself.

A Call to the Alberta Legislature

The AOTC’s declaration was not limited to a statement of dissatisfaction; it included a direct call to action for the members of the Alberta Legislative Assembly. The chiefs are urging UCP, NDP, and Independent MLAs to “officially and expeditiously” declare their own vote of non-confidence in the government. By doing so, the AOTC hopes to force a political reckoning regarding how the province engages with First Nations on matters of governance, land use, and constitutional law.

The assembly further criticized the UCP for a perceived “lack of critical understanding and respect” for treaty-based responsibilities. This criticism follows several years of friction regarding the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act, which many Indigenous leaders believe was drafted without proper consultation and threatens to override federal protections of Indigenous rights.

Implications for Alberta’s Political Landscape

While a vote of non-confidence from First Nations chiefs does not legally compel the Premier to resign or trigger an election, the political optics are severe. First Nations are major stakeholders in Alberta’s economy, particularly in the natural resources sector, where their consultation and consent are often legally required for large-scale projects. A formal declaration of “no trust” could lead to increased legal challenges, protests, and a refusal to participate in provincial initiatives.

As the UCP government continues its push for greater autonomy from Ottawa, this internal opposition from the Treaty Nations presents a formidable hurdle. Premier Danielle Smith’s office has yet to provide a comprehensive response to the AOTC’s vote, but the pressure to repair these fractured relationships is mounting. For the First Nations of Alberta, the message is clear: they will not stand by as a third party to a provincial government that they believe is acting outside the bounds of the Canadian Constitution and the sacred treaties that formed the nation.

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BC STORIES

Caucus Split Grows as Three More B.C. Conservative MLAs Depart Ahead of Potential Election

Three B.C. Conservative MLAs have departed the caucus, legislative officials confirm, as internal leadership disputes surface ahead of a potential provincial election.

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1 day ago

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September 18, 2026

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Legislature Office Confirms Caucus Changes

The office of the B.C. legislature clerk has verified that three additional MLAs have ended their affiliation with the B.C. Conservative Party caucus. Notification was submitted to the Office of the Speaker on Friday, Sept. 18, regarding Skeena MLA Claire Rattée, Nechako-Lakes MLA John Rustad, and Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford.

Following the legislative confirmation, B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay released a public statement confirming the immediate removal of all three politicians from the caucus. Findlay framed the decision around preparations for a potential upcoming provincial election, stating the party must concentrate fully on challenging the ruling NDP government under Premier David Eby.

Rattée Challenges Removal and Cites Internal Scrutiny

In response to the announcement, Rattée issued a detailed statement on social media rejecting the attempt to remove her and confirming her intention to remain in her position. She argued that as an elected MLA, Findlay lacks the authority to strip caucus membership from elected team members.

Rattée pointed to a broader trend of internal caucus friction, noting that nine MLAs have departed the party since mid-August while raising concerns about leadership. Her statement highlighted accusations involving offers of paid positions in exchange for seat resignations, controversy surrounding senior staff, and reports that a senior party official engaged a private investigator to monitor current and former MLAs. Rattée confirmed she was informed by the party that she had been targeted in the investigation, calling the move a severe lapse in judgment on the eve of a potential snap election call.

Former Interim Leader and Colleagues Prepare Next Steps

Halford also shared a brief update on social media, reflecting on his previous tenure as interim leader during a period of party growth. He stated that he intends to run again in his riding of Surrey-White Rock if an election is called and indicated he would release further details shortly. Rustad noted on X that a formal press release would be issued soon.

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BC STORIES

Why B.C. Centrists Are Uniting Under Peter Milobar as Election Speculation Grows

Peter Milobar assumes leadership of Centre B.C. as eight sitting MLAs unify to present a centrist alternative ahead of a potential B.C. election.

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1 day ago

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September 18, 2026

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Political Consolidation Ahead of Potential Snap Election

In a move to prevent splitting votes among centrist options, eight sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly have unified under the Centre B.C. banner. Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar announced Friday in Vancouver that he is assuming the leadership of the party, supported by outgoing leader Mike Bernier, a former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister who stepped down to facilitate the transition.

The caucus consolidation brings together former B.C. Conservative MLAs who left the party following disagreements with Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, alongside independent representatives. Milobar took the helm alongside Bernier and six other MLAs—Bruce Banman, Teresa Wat, Donegal Wilson, Á’a:líya Warbus, Rosalyn Bird, and Elenore Sturko. A eighth caucus member, Delta South MLA Ian Paton, was unable to attend the announcement due to a scheduled vacation but remains fully committed to the party, according to Milobar.

Focus Areas and Electoral Strategy

Addressing the party’s platform, Milobar stated that Centre B.C. will be “hyper-focused” on healthcare, climate action, and public safety on municipal streets. The party intends to field candidates across British Columbia if a provincial election is called. Bernier noted that discussions regarding the leadership transition and political alignment had been underway for several weeks, with public polling indicating that 51 per cent of British Columbians are seeking an alternative to the primary political parties.

Speculation Over Provincial Election Timing

The leadership shift comes amid growing speculation that Premier David Eby may trigger an early election less than two years into his current mandate. Political parties had originally envisioned an autumn launch on the steps of the legislature on Oct. 5 for the start of the fall session. However, shifting timelines have accelerated party preparations across the province.

An early provincial election call could overlap with municipal elections scheduled for Oct. 17. The potential timing has raised procedural concerns; Union of B.C. Municipalities president Cori Ramsay has requested the premier delay any provincial call, pointing out that an active provincial campaign alongside the ongoing Abbotsford-Mission byelection running until Sept. 26 would require Elections BC to halt administrative paperwork for other political entities seeking registration.

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BC STORIES

Why B.C. Municipalities Are Demanding Action on Street Safety and Social Services

B.C. local leaders sign a Contract with Communities at UBCM, demanding provincial action on public safety, addiction, housing, and justice system funding.

Published

2 days ago

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September 17, 2026

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Local Leaders Urge Provincial Action

Municipal leaders across British Columbia signed a “Contract with Communities” on Sept. 17 during the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Vancouver, pressing the province for immediate solutions to crime, addiction, and public disorder.

Organized following a Save Our Streets (SOS) survey that indicated half of British Columbians fear for their safety, the document outlines five specific demands directed at senior government. SOS co-founder Jess Ketchum stated during the event that local leaders want senior governments to properly fund and manage initiatives that address street disorder.

Mayors Highlight Strain on Local Resources

Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto noted that local governments have spent millions of dollars attempting to fill systemic gaps in housing, mental health, and addiction supports, describing the current situation as unsustainable. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West urged the province to act swiftly, stating that municipal officials need immediate results on local streets rather than repeated annual requests.

Addressing the demands, Minister Housing and MLA Ravi Kahlon emphasized that addressing these complex issues requires cooperation from all levels of government, citing recent joint efforts to clear homeless encampments in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Prince George.

The Five Critical Demands

The contract calls on the province to execute five core actions:

1. Ensure safe public spaces: Establish provincial policies that prevent homeless encampments on public land or near businesses when shelter beds are available.

2. Move beyond harm reduction: Provide immediate detoxification beds within Health Ministry facilities across all communities.

3. Properly locate low-barrier services: Set publicly posted operational standards for provincially funded harm reduction and low-barrier housing to ensure surrounding neighborhoods are protected, closing facilities that fail to comply.

4. Prioritize addictions and mental health: Establish government-operated regional treatment services across the province this year.

5. Fully fund the justice system: Provide sufficient funding for judges, sheriffs, crown prosecutors, and correctional staff to ensure criminal accountability.

SOS co-founder Clint Mahlman stated that the province must move past decades-old strategies and work directly with local elected officials who understand their communities best.

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