Declaration of Emergency committee  There was ongoing concern that there may be police personnel. There were police personnel who were sympathetic to the causes and there was a risk of information leaving the confines of police services.

Declaration of Emergency committee  That would include every police service.

Declaration of Emergency committee  There's no ongoing investigation at this time. There was no evidence ever identified that there were any leaks coming from within the Ontario Provincial Police. That was followed up by POIB, and there was no evidence to substantiate that.

Declaration of Emergency committee  Thank you, Senator. In terms of the request for assistance, they were both very similar. There had been requests for assistance that came in from both police services formally, in writing. What was unique about both requests for assistance was that they went to the premier and the Solicitor General, as opposed to coming to me directly.

Declaration of Emergency committee  The Emergencies Act wasn't specifically required for us to operationalize the plan from that period between February 13 and February 15. What the Emergencies Act did do, how it did assist police, I believe.... There was a constant struggle with providing towing services. We did have a number of tow trucks identified that were willing to assist.

Declaration of Emergency committee  Yes, so it became somewhat complicated between using the Emergencies Act to compel tow operators and the indemnification. We had approximately 35 tow operators ready to go, but some of them were still expressing concerns about retaliation, their identity becoming known, damage that may occur to their properties or their vehicles or to them personally—any harm that may come to them in the future for their assistance—but they still had committed to assisting, so being able to provide that indemnification was very useful.

Declaration of Emergency committee  Thank you.

Declaration of Emergency committee  No, I do not agree that they're contradictory, and I think I went to a great extent to explain where there could be a perception of contradiction before the commission. On February 7—

Declaration of Emergency committee  I believe the “freedom convoy” did present a threat to national security, and it is very important.... This is talking from a strategic intelligence standpoint, not evidentiary as required under the CSIS Act or through terrorist charges under the Criminal Code, but from a strategic intelligence standpoint, which leads to decision-making and action planning.

Declaration of Emergency committee  Operationally speaking, that would inform decision-making, and there was consultation between what we call POIB, the provincial operations intelligence bureau, INSET, the integrated national security enforcement team of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and CSIS to further analyze what our section reported as a possible threat to national security.

Declaration of Emergency committee  I do recollect seeing those types of statements stated in the Hendon reports, yes.

Declaration of Emergency committee  It's an obvious concern for us. It would require further analysis through intelligence and potentially further investigation, and certainly the dissemination of that information to the police service of jurisdiction. All of the things you cited were a concern to law enforcement, and in particular to the OPP.

Declaration of Emergency committee  I am familiar with statistics that have been cited. I can't say whether that is accurate or not.

Declaration of Emergency committee  Over and above what you have read to me and the citing of charges that have been laid, it was not a peaceful protest. It was an unlawful demonstration. It turned into an occupation, and it was a significant challenge for law enforcement.

Declaration of Emergency committee  I am aware of those types of sentiments being reported in the Hendon reports, yes.