The Business Development Bank (BDC), a Canadian Crown bank, on Tuesday invoked “solicitor-client privilege” in censoring all records regarding executive donations to the Liberal party. Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland would not comment on whether she appointed the BDC’s chair as financial agent for her failed Liberal leadership campaign, according to Blacklock’s Reporter. “Please note the records have been redacted,” BDC said in a statement. Thirteen pages of records were entirely blacked out as confidential emails between BDC executives and their lawyers..Blacklock’s filed an Access To Information request for “all documents, files, records and correspondence including electronic communication and data regarding contributions to the Liberal Party of Canada, its affiliates, candidates or associates by any BDC employee, executive, officer or director but not limited to Brian O’Neil.”O’Neil, the Liberal-appointed chair of BDC, has the same name and street address as a Liberal donor who contributed some $35,000 to the party since 2006 and filed papers as Freeland’s financial agent while serving as a public office holder.“I am an engaged citizen,” O’Neil earlier emailed Blacklock’s. He would not answer specific questions regarding the Freeland campaign.“I have been voting, volunteering and donating my entire adult life,” said O’Neil.“This includes making receipted monetary donations to the Liberal Party of Canada for 30 years.”.O’Neil said he typically donated the legal limit to the party, currently $1,750 annually under the Elections Act. He denied direct involvement in politics.Freeland “never solicited a donation from me,” said O’Neil.“My donation history outspans any seat occupant or aspirant.”“Since my 2017 Crown corporation board appointment I have confirmed on multiple occasions with the Office of the Ethics Commissioner the permissibility of continuing this form of civic engagement which is a right of all citizens,” said O’Neil.“Since 2017 I have ceased all public facing political activity. I do not make public comment on matters of policy, politics or politicians. I do not attend public events, gatherings or fundraisers of a political nature and I do not display partisan signage or paraphernalia.”“I continue to vote, donate and volunteer. This is consistent with all guidance and policy on the subject and with the direct advice I have received from the Office of the Ethics Commissioner.”Freeland has refused all questions regarding her financial agent. Bank employees said in a statement that executives’ financial ties to the Liberal party were not public business.“Contributions made by individuals are considered a personal activity,” said the BDC statement.“Therefore it would be inappropriate to comment.”
