The Liberals have frozen a number of bank accounts across the country associated with the Freedom Convoy with plans to shut down more, says Blacklock’s Reporter.“Accounts have been frozen and more accounts will be frozen,” Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters..“How many accounts, either personal or corporate, are being targeted?” asked a reporter..“I am not going to share them with you right now,” replied Freeland..The action was permitted under the Emergencies Act, said Freeland..“Information is being shared by law enforcement with Canada’s financial institutions,” she said..“Financial service providers have already taken action based on that information. The emergency measures we put in place are being used, they are having an impact and they will have a growing impact in the days to come.”.The finance minister said the action complied with the Charter Of Rights And Freedoms, a claim disputed by opposition critics..The Department of Finance would not disclose the cash value of funds frozen by cabinet order..But some MPs questioned the legality of the order..“Under what basis is the government freezing the bank accounts of Canadians in violation of Sec. 8 of the Charter against unreasonable search and seizure?” said Conservative MP Dane Lloyd (Sturgeon River-Parkland, Alta.)..“The declaration put forward by the government assumes power to regulate or prohibit private transfers of funds to protesters including the ability to mandate the reporting of such transfers and freezing of accounts without judicial oversight,” said Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner (Calgary Nose Hill)..“How is this measure compliant with Sec. 8 of the Charter?”.Attorney General David Lametti disputed it was an illegal act..“It is an extension of procedures and practices that already exist with respect to anti-terrorism financing,” said Lametti..The Commons public safety minister on February 10 voted to investigate Freedom Convoy fundraising as part of an investigation of “the rise of ideologically-motivated violent extremism in Canada.”.No protester has been charged with terrorism..Emergencies Act orders also permit police to void truckers’ insurance policies, jail protesters, quash any gathering dubbed an “illegal assembly,” commandeer tow trucks and seize vehicles..“If your truck is being used in these protests your corporate accounts will be frozen,” said Freeland..“The insurance on your vehicle will be suspended. The consequences are real and they will bite.”
