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Judge extends injunction freezing millions of Alberta separatist leader's assets

  • Lisa Johnson

    Lisa Johnson

  • Canadian Press

  • July 15, 2026

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

EDMONTON -- A judge has extended a special court order freezing the assets of a prominent Alberta separatist as part of an ongoing trust fund dispute with a First Nation.

Last week, Justice Michael Marion in Calgary granted a temporary injunction freezing up to $8.5 million in assets held by Jeffrey Rath.

It's part of an ongoing legal battle between Rath and Tallcree First Nation over control of a multimillion-dollar trust fund.

The northern Alberta First Nation alleges Rath, its former lawyer, misappropriated millions from the fund.

The allegations have not been tested in court.

Justice John Gill of Edmonton has agreed to extend the injunction, saying there's a risk Rath would "continue to take steps to frustrate the process of locating the missing money."

Rath has been a main spokesperson for a movement seeking to have the province split from Canada, as Albertans prepare for an Oct. 19 referendum on whether they want to stay in the country or hold a binding, second referendum on leaving.