Internal documents show the RCMP refused to release the badge numbers of officers who cleared “Freedom Convoy” protesters from the Ambassador Bridge last winter, citing a risk of violence from their supporters.
The situation was detailed in a briefing note and threat assessment prepared for RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, who was asked to approve the decision because the force recognized it raised questions around transparency. “This will allow you to explain to the membership the substantial efforts made by the RCMP to protect members’ safety, while making every effort to meet RCMP’s commitment and openness and transparency with the public,” read the note to Lucki, released in August to a requester under the Access to Information Act. Read more: Ottawa mayor, police officers among witnesses at Emergencies Act inquiry The Canadian Press recently obtained a copy of the materials informally through the access law.
The law, which allows members of the public to request files from federal agencies, led the matter to land on Lucki’s desk in the first place.
The note to the commissioner, dated last April, says the RCMP received an access request seeking names and badge numbers of every officer who took part in removing protesters from the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ont.