Documents indicate the Liberal-appointed chair of a Crown bank may have been asked by Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland to work as financial agent for her failed Liberal leadership campaign. The Business Development Bank (BDC) denied comment, saying political activity by its directors was not public business.“Contributions made by individuals are considered a personal activity,” BDC told Blacklock’s Reporter in a statement. “Therefore it would be inappropriate to comment.”Freeland’s financial agent was Brian O’Neil of Toronto. O’Neil in federal filings disclosed through Access to Information identified himself as a “portfolio manager” with the same street address as a Liberal donor who contributed some $35,000 to the party since 2006, including $1,750 to Freeland’s leadership campaign..Cabinet on December 19 appointed O’Neil as BDC chair.“Mr. O’Neil will be a strong leader,” it said at the time. He had been a BDC director since 2017.In an exchange of emails with Blacklock’s over several days in April, a man who identified himself as Bank Chair O’Neil acknowledged making significant financial contributions to the Liberal party including Freeland’s campaign.He made no mention of acting as the minister’s financial agent while still a public office holder under the Conflict Of Interest Act.“I am an engaged citizen. I have been voting, volunteering and donating my entire adult life. This includes making receipted monetary donations to the Liberal Party of Canada for 30 years,” said O’Neil.He said he typically donated the legal annual limit to the party. The current limit is $1,750 under the Elections Act..O’Neil said Freeland never solicited any donation. He denied any close involvement in politics.“The individual you reference has never solicited a donation from me,” he said.“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.”“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.”
