Financial Actions Against Protesters in Ottawa

On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced that financial institutions have swiftly frozen accounts linked to the protests in Ottawa, resulting in many demonstrators facing financial challenges.

In her remarks, Freeland committed to additional account closures in the upcoming days as part of efforts to financially hinder the organizers of the ongoing occupation in the capital.

As the finance minister, Freeland highlighted that the RCMP and various law enforcement entities are gathering intelligence on convoy protesters and their backers, sharing this data with banks to limit their access to funds.

New regulations permit banks to close accounts belonging to donors supporting the GoFundMe and GiveSendGo campaigns that fueled the protests. Freeland did not disclose specific account details being frozen.

Under the guise of anti-terrorism financing laws, the government has mandated crowdfunding platforms and payment services to register with Canada’s Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (FINTRAC).

Freeland issued a stern warning to the protesting truck drivers, adding that their insurance could be revoked and their corporate accounts suspended, potentially jeopardizing their future employment.

Expressing a sense of “great sorrow” over these measures, Freeland asserted their necessity in “defending our democracy” and restoring order and peace. The government has directed financial institutions to cease operations with anyone associated with the protests, a decision leading to frozen accounts and credit issues. This financial action aims to encourage protesters to vacate the city by making it unaffordable for them to continue their stay.