Jeffrey Rath, a prominent Alberta separatist lawyer, has agreed not to challenge a court order that temporarily freezes $8.5 million in assets linked to his law firm and a First Nation trust fund.

The Mareva injunction, issued by Justice Michael Marion, was requested by the Tallcree First Nation, which alleges Rath misappropriated funds from its $15-million trust.The court order aims to prevent Rath from moving money before a judgment is finalized.Rath’s counsel has proposed conditions for lifting the freeze, including depositing $5.5 million into a court account or providing alternative security.

The case highlights tensions between separatist movements and Indigenous governance, with the Alberta NDP calling on Premier Danielle Smith to revoke Rath’s UCP membership.Legal experts note the injunction is a rare tool used to safeguard assets in disputes, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations against Rath.