Public security bureau censors ‘hundreds of pages’ of Free Convoy documents, says Blok MP


Public Security Minister Marco Mendicino’s department censored “hundreds of pages” of documents related to security measures taken against Freedom Convoy in February, Bloc Quebec MP Real Fortin said. Stated.

Public security provided documents to the Special Joint Committee on Declaration of a State of Emergency after receiving the order of the Special Joint Committee on Declaration of a State of Emergency in May. Fortin told the commission on Oct. 6 that it “needs to be addressed” as to why most of the public security documents were censored.

“We have these entire pages with tons of edits. [We’re] As Blacklock’s Reporter first reported, Fortin is speaking of hundreds of pages of redacted documents.

“What are you going to do with this?” Fortin said. “I don’t know what’s hidden here. I don’t know why this information is hidden.”

May 31, Committee requested Provide “all safety assessments and legal opinions on which the government relied” in determining that Freedom Convoy constitutes a “national emergency.” The government said he invoked the Emergency Act on February 14, allowing police to take special measures to clear protesters from downtown Ottawa, and banks to include convoy members and supporters. I have given the authority to freeze the account.

Fortin It said the censored document was “unacceptable” and called for the individual who created the document to appear before the committee and explain the reasons behind the edits.

“We have the right to answer why these things are being blacked out,” he said.

The Epoch Times reached out to public safety for comment on the edits, but did not immediately hear back.

“Hindering” the work of the committee

Liberal Party lawmaker Rachel Bendayan said she didn’t see why it would be helpful to have a public safety representative appear before the committee to explain the edits, saying she wouldn’t be able to provide detailed information.

“No matter who testifies, they are in no position to tell us what materially corroborates that edit,” she said. “

Senator Claude Carignan argued that the redacted documents hampered the commission’s thorough investigation.

“I can’t wait until the hearing is over to be briefed and see if there’s a way to sort things out or disclose more information than I received,” Carignan said. I got

“We will use these documents as an example to question witnesses,” he added. “I may have blacked out parts that could be used, but I can’t wait until the end.” [when] All the witnesses left. “

Carignan added that editing “really hinders our work.”

A public inquiry into the federal government’s use of the emergency law began on October 13 and will run through November, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a major Freedom Convoy organizer and prominent cabinet members to testify.

Correction: The first heading of this article incorrectly stated the number of pages in the document. The Epoch Times regrets the error.

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Peter Wilson is a reporter based in Ontario, Canada.