Evidence of meeting #10 for Declaration of Emergency in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was police.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
I discussed the possibility of the United States sending us assistance. However, I can't tell you how important that was for the Americans I spoke to—
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
It was a serious threat for them, and it was important for them to communicate with me—
Claude Carignan
We all agree on that, Ms. Freeland. That's important.
And the matter was resolved before the state of emergency was declared, and that's the beauty of it all.
However, my question concerns the tow trucks.
One minister told us that exchanges took place and that the U.S. government offered us tow trucks.
I'd like to know if you were involved in that discussion.
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
I've already answered that question.
The discussions I had concerned the economic impact, and I suggested that the Americans help us.
Liberal
Claude Carignan
I'll try to ask another question that you've already answered.
As the Minister of Finance, you know the numbers.
Can you quantify the economic impact of the measures that were taken, of the blockades and the harmful impact they had other than by citing a report by the City of Ottawa three months later?
When you made the decision, did you have a figure in mind that would support that decision? I'd like to have a number.
You were asked the question in English, but I'm asking it in French.
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
I have many figures in mind. There were clearly harmful effects every day. However, I'd like to emphasize two other points.
The Joint Chair Hon. Gwen Boniface
Minister, I apologize for interrupting.
Senator Carignan, your time is up.
We'll move to Senator Harder.
Peter Harder Senator, Ontario, PSG
Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you, Minister, for being here. It's helpful for you to be here in person. I thank you for that.
As you know, I'm a senator from Ontario and resident of Ottawa, so it won't surprise you that I'm asking you this: Why did it take you so long to come to the conclusion that this measure was necessary, given the impact on the border, the reputational impact, and the very real impact on business in Ottawa?
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Senator Harder, it's a great question.
I know this is sort of an adversarial environment, but I'm going to be very candid. It was an agonizing time for many Canadians, and it was an agonizing time for everyone in government, because we had to balance some serious things against each other.
We did not invoke the Emergencies Act lightly. That's why it took some time. We would very much have preferred a situation where it was not necessary. I think every Canadian would prefer a government that would prefer not to have to invoke the Emergencies Act.
Senator, Ontario, PSG
Let me ask a follow-up question, then.
Did you and the government come to the view that police action, as it was at the time, was failing to come to terms with the occupations, either at the border or in Ottawa itself?
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
I think you even have senators in this group who have greater expertise in policing than I do.
Speaking as Minister of Finance, I will say that I had Canadian business leaders in touch with me, my officials and my political colleagues, constantly. They were gravely concerned. They shared with me the views of their clients and investors, in quite vivid terms. These were not people who hyperventilate. These were people who could really see, every day, their businesses being eroded and, therefore, the national economy.
I also took very seriously, Senator Harder, the points of view expressed by our American partners in conversation, as well as public statements by American politicians—politicians who want an excuse to impose protectionist measures on Canada. These blockades and illegal occupation were the perfect events designed to make it easier for American protectionists to close their market to us.
Senator, Ontario, PSG
Thank you.
I'd like to ask you about the funding of the occupation—the convoy.
What evidence, if any, do you have of cryptocurrencies being involved? Was there, in your view, any worry of illegal cryptocurrencies supporting what ultimately became an illegal convoy and illegal occupation?
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
As I said in my opening remarks, the RCMP reported, on February 19, that they shared 170 Bitcoin addresses with virtual currency exchanges.
Let me say two things, in general.
First, my primary concern about the illegal blockade and occupation was the economic impact—what we could actually see with our eyes, frankly. However, as it unfolded and as we took action, it became clear to me that some Canadian legislation had fallen behind the development of the financial sector. That's why we have actually put forward, permanently, some new authorities for FINTRAC to monitor this now not-so-new financial space.
Senator, Ontario, PSG
Do you have any evidence of money laundering through cryptocurrencies?
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
I am not going to speak to that. I think that's a question for the RCMP, really.
Senator, Ontario, C
Thank you very much.
I apologize for coming in late. I'm not feeling great today.
Thank you very much, Minister, for being here.
We understand that there were no charges laid in relation to the freezing of assets. We also understand that the assets were released prior to any thorough investigation. That's according to the law enforcement authorities.
What other options to freeze these assets would have been considered, say, in the week or weeks prior to the invocation?
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
I have to say, Senator, I can't hear you with perfect clarity, but I think I got most of it. On the freezing of the accounts, I do want to be clear that as of February 24, all accounts that were frozen pursuant to the order were unfrozen. However, I also want to be clear that I understand that a number of accounts remain frozen pursuant to court orders and proceedings that are unrelated to measures taken under the Emergencies Act.
I think, Senator, you may also want me to comment on a point that we did think about, which is the possibility of court orders being used to freeze accounts.