‘Seems Unlikely’ to Support Extremism: Federal Financial Intelligence Unit on Freedom Convoy Donations

A protester shovels snow in front of parked semi-trailer and pickup trucks on Rideau Street, on the 21st day of a protest against COVID-19 mandates and restrictions in Ottawa, on Feb. 17, 2022. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press

A financial intelligence unit in Canada said in an internal memo that it saw no proof that the millions of dollars raised by the Freedom Convoy last winter were intended to support extremism.

The memo, written by managers at the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (FINTRAC), and obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter, said it “seems unlikely” that the funds were aimed to bankroll “violent activity.”