There’s no freedom if the state can separate us from our money.
by J.D. Tuccille
Reason.com
By invoking emergency powers and freezing the assets of Freedom Convoy protesters, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes clear that civil liberties protections mean little when the government can deny you access to your money. That financial weapon has been used in the past not just in autocracies but also in democracies against controversial (to some) businesses and organizations. But by targeting political protesters in a supposedly free country, Canada’s government reminds us of the importance of keeping at least some resources beyond the reach of the state.
“This is about following the money,” Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland threatened on February 14. “This is about stopping the financing of these illegal blockades. We are today serving notice: if your truck is being used in these protests, your corporate accounts will be frozen. The insurance on your vehicle will be suspended.” The Canadian government promptly seized assets.