Senator Housakos: I’m not questioning whether the banks are protected; it’s the citizens who are not protected, government leader.

Earlier today, during a press conference, Minister Freeland said:

For anyone who is concerned that their accounts may have been frozen because of their participation in these illegal blockades and occupation, the way to get your account unfrozen is to stop being part of the blockade and occupation.

That’s from the Deputy Prime Minister this morning.

Government leader, what in the world does that mean? The blockade has been removed on Wellington. Does that mean their accounts are being returned to them, they are all good now, everything is fine? How does one go about proving to their bank that they are no longer part of a blockade that isn’t out there any longer? Is there some form, affidavit or sworn allegiance to the Liberal Party or Justin Trudeau not to criticize them? How will they get their accounts unfrozen?

Hon. Leo Housakos: Very happy with suspending Charter rights in this country.

My question is for the government leader in the Senate. When asked on Thursday about the seizure of Canadians’ bank accounts, Minister Freeland said, “. . . due process remains in place. Charter rights remain in place. And of course, the courts are there . . . .”

In fact, the Trudeau government’s Emergency Economic Measures Order states clearly that, “No proceedings under the Emergencies Act and no civil proceedings lie against an entity for complying with this Order.”

Leader, what recourse do Canadians have if they can’t take legal action against their bank, for example? And why would Minister Freeland suggest that the courts are an option when her government explicitly prohibits these Canadians from availing themselves of that option and their courts?