Judge freezes $8.5 million in assets of Alberta separatist lawyer Jeffrey Rath

A judge has extended a freezing order on $8.5 million in assets belonging to Alberta separatist lawyer Jeffrey Rath following allegations he misappropriated funds from Tallcree First Nation's trust account.

Court of King's Bench Justice John Gill granted the order Wednesday, building on a temporary freezing order issued by a different judge the previous Friday. Chief Rupert Meneen of Tallcree First Nation is seeking to remove Rath from overseeing the band's nearly $15 million in trust funds.

The new order appoints an independent court officer to trace the whereabouts of the $8.5 million and review Rath and his law firm's financial reports. Gill said in his oral reasons there was "a strong prima facie case that the respondents have made improper payments out of the trust, particularly in relation to the approximately $8.5 million payment made to Rath PC in November 2025" and "a strong prima facie case against Mr. Rath personally of assisting in a breach of fiduciary duty."

Rath declined to comment when reached. His lawyer did not file evidence Wednesday or challenge the order. The lawyer for Tallcree First Nation, Matthew Sammon, stated the band "will take all necessary and lawful steps to protect the rights and interests of the trust's beneficiaries, many of whom are minors, and to pursue appropriate recovery of trust assets from all responsible parties."

Gill cited evidence the band presented showing Rath may have acted to frustrate efforts to locate missing funds, including changing trust auditors and the timing of a $4.6-million fee payment to his professional corporation. The court also heard evidence indicating potential diversion of trust funds from Sturgeon Lake Cree First Nation. The examination into Rath's accounts is due to be completed by August 11.