Project NATTERJACK - National After-Action Review into the RCMP's response to the 2022 Freedom Convoy

Methodology

NATTERJACK used quantitative and qualitative research methods and conducted an all source analysis based on information collected in its holdings in relation to events prior to, during, and post convoy related events.

As a principal quantitative method, National Program Evaluation Services, Internal Audit, Evaluation and Review and NATTERJACK developed a survey that was in effect for a 5-week period (September 6, 2022, to October 7, 2022). The survey targeted all categories of employees (Regular Members, Civilian Members, and Public Service Employees) who performed any operational, analytic, logistical or administrative role during the convoy related events nationwide. In particular, the survey sought RCMP employee feedback on: interagency cooperation and coordination; information sharing; mobilization; training; equipment; employee morale and support; and the authorities of peace officers. ^{Footnote 2} A total of 2,139 individuals responded (fully or partially) to the survey. Respondents who reported that they did not have a role in the convoy events were excluded from the analysis (n=498) leaving a total of 1,641 survey responses included in the analysis of results. ^{Footnote 3}

Furthermore, only 1,419 of the 1,641 respondents reported on their operational role during the convoy related events. Of the 1,419 respondents who reported on their operational role, the largest proportion reported being front line uniform employees (44.6%), followed by administrative support (11.4%), Emergency Response Team and tactical troop (11.3%), intelligence (9.8%), logistical support to front-line (9.7%) and communications (7.3%). 19.2% of respondents reported they had another operational role which included air service, IT support, and investigative support. 14.2% of respondents preferred not to answer.

Additionally, the National Office of Investigative Standards and Practices conducted interviews with 11 individuals who were part of the national Gold, Silver, Bronze Command Structure. NATTERJACK also conducted 15 interviews with 19 other Gold, Silver, Bronze commanders and personnel from National Headquarters, K, E, and National Division who played a key role relevant to the areas of review. Finally, NATTERJACK and retired Assistant Commissioner Slinn conducted interviews with senior officials from the Ottawa Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police. All interviews of RCMP employees were conducted using a standard interview guide that was developed by National Office of Investigative Standards.

NATTERJACK would like to thank everyone who participated in the survey, and interviews. This includes a special thanks to RCMP employees; National Program Evaluation Services and Internal Audit, Evaluation and Review; National Office of Investigative Standards; and to Ottawa Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police executive personnel. We would not have been able to complete this review without the assistance and support of the stakeholders noted above.

Timeline of events in the National Capital Region

Thursday, January 13, 2022

• The Parliamentary Protective Service advised the RCMP's Federal Policing National Intelligence - Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team of an upcoming demonstration called "Operation Bearhug 2.0" also referred to as "Freedom Convoy 2022."

Friday, January 14, 2022

• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team notified the RCMP's Protective Operations Coordination Centre and the Ottawa Police Service of a trucker convoy, "Freedom Convoy 2022," set to converge in Ottawa on January 29, 2022.

Monday, January 17, 2022

• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated "Strategic Intelligence Assessment – Racially and Ethno-Nationalist Motivated Threat Landscape" internally to Criminal Operations Officers, Division Intelligence Officers, senior management including the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, Deputy Commissioner of Contract and Indigenous Policing, Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing, Assistant Commissioner Federal Policing Criminal Operations, Assistant Commissioner Contract and Indigenous Policing, Executive Director of Intelligence and International Policing, Executive Director of Federal Policing Strategic Management, various Federal Policing Director Generals and Directors and individual points of contact from Federal Policing National Security and Federal Policing Strategic Policy.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team advised the Ontario Provincial Police, Parliamentary Protective Service, Ottawa Police Service, National Division Intelligence Officer and the Protective Operations Coordination Centre of significant donation amounts being raised via the CANADA UNITY GoFundMe website.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team advised Protective Intelligence Unit, Ontario Provincial Police, Parliamentary Protective Service, Ottawa Police Service, National Division, and Protective Operations Coordination Centre that open source information suggests truckers and their supporters plan to block Parliament Hill until all COVID-19 public health mandates are removed. In addition, Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team advised of online discussions on social media platforms of potential routes within Ontario and other provinces, and that other provinces may hold other demonstrations on January 23, 2022, before starting a "slow roll" to Ottawa.

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team sent a Request for Information to Division Intelligence Officers for its monthly "National Threat Landscape" report and requested additional information related to the convoy events.
• The Assistant Deputy Minister National Security Operations meeting first occurred on this date and subsequent meetings were held on the following dates: January 25 to January 28; February 1; February 4; February 6 to February 11; February 13 to February 18; February 23. (External Government of Canada briefing)
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated "Special Threat Advisory – Anti-Public Health Order: Escalation in Online Violent Rhetoric" internally to Criminal Operations Officers, Division Intelligence Officers, senior management including the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, Deputy Commissioner of Contract and Indigenous Policing, Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing, Assistant Commissioner Federal Policing Criminal Operations, Assistant Commissioner Contract and Indigenous Policing, Executive Director of Intelligence and International Policing, Executive Director of Federal Policing Strategic Management, and various Director Generals from Federal Policing and Contract and Indigenous Policing. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team also disseminated the report externally to Government of Canada intelligence counterparts at the Privy Council Office, Public Safety, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Communications Security Establishment, Canada Border Services Agency, Transport Canada, Global Affairs Canada and the Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team advised Ottawa Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police Project HENDON, Parliamentary Protective Service, the Protective Operations Coordination Centre and National Division of open source information suggesting a convoy may attend 24 Sussex Drive, the former residence of the Prime Minister.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

• The Protective Operations Coordination Centre opened a Police Reporting and Occurrence System file in light of the information received suggesting a convoy will converge in Ottawa at 24 Sussex Drive.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated "Strategic Intelligence Assessment – Racially and Ethno-Nationalist motivated threat landscape" externally to other Canadian law enforcement agencies and Government of Canada intelligence counterparts at Privy Council Office, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Communications Security Establishment, Canada Border Services Agency, Global Affairs Canada, Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre, Transport Canada, and Public Safety.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

• Protective Intelligence Unit disseminated a Morning Update, which included promotional material suggesting that 2 "Freedom Convoys," 1 from the West coast and 1 from the East coast, with plans to converge in Ottawa on January 28, 2022, to hold a demonstration on Parliament Hill. The update also made note of open source information previously reported by Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team suggesting that the convoys may be converging at 24 Sussex Drive. The Morning Update is shared with National Division Protective Policing and executive team, Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team, Ottawa Police Service intelligence and Major Events, La Sûreté du Québec Intelligence, Parliamentary Protective Service Intelligence.
• E Division advised Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team of a convoy departing from British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Ontario to converge in Ottawa.
• C Division's Threat Detection Unit advised Protective Intelligence Unit and the RCMP's Federal Policing Threat Assessment Section of convoys departing the province of Quebec to go to Ottawa on January 28 to 29, 2022.
• RCMP Protective Policing shared the convoy's itinerary with the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms and Corporate Security, Protective Intelligence Unit, Federal Policing Threat Assessment Section, National Capital Region Command Centre, Prime Minister Protection Detail, and other protective policing units.

Friday, January 21, 2022

• Federal Policing Threat Assessment Section tasked Protective Intelligence Unit to produce an analytical report to support the Protective Operations Coordination Centre senior non-commissioned officers and management meeting, with a deadline of Monday, January 24, 2022.
• INTERSECT ^{Footnote 4} advised law enforcement partners in the National Capital Region, which includes Protective Intelligence Unit, of the planned convoy demonstration on January 28 and 29 in Ottawa.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team reached out to points of contact from Contract and Indigenous Policing's Operational Research Unit and the National Public Order Program to inquire about whether Contract and Indigenous Policing was tracking the convoy events.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team received a Request for Information from Ottawa Police Service on "Freedom Convoy" related events in RCMP jurisdiction. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team forwarded Ottawa Police Service's request to Divisional Criminal Analysis Sections and Federal Policing National Security National Critical Infrastructure Team.

Monday, January 24, 2022

• Protective Intelligence Unit prepared an intelligence update to advise of the convoy's plan to converge on Parliament Hill on January 29, 2022, and disseminated it to the Director General of Protective Policing, Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team, Ottawa Police Service, la Sûreté du Québec and Parliamentary Protective Service.
• Protective Intelligence Unit prepared a security overview outlining how the convoy may impact protective operations in the National Capital Region and disseminated it to the Director General of Protective Policing, and Contract and Indigenous Policing's Officer in Charge of the National Police Intervention Unit.
• INTERSECT advised law enforcement partners in the National Capital Region that the situation remains fluid and that all affected police agencies and the City of Ottawa are aware of and coordinating a response to the various convoys.
• Protective Intelligence Unit received Ontario Provincial Police's Project HENDON "Situational report 020-2022 Freedom Convoy 2022" which provided situational awareness on ideologically motivated demonstrations with impacts for public safety in Ontario.
• Contract and Indigenous Policing advised Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team that they are tracking convoy events on a Protest Mapping application based on information they receive from the Divisions and the National Operations Centre.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team received a Request for Information from Ottawa Police Service. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team forwarded the request to Contract and Indigenous Policing and D Division for awareness and response.
• At the request of Federal Policing National Security Incident Response Team, Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team provided Federal Policing National Security senior management a summary of the convoy events via email. Federal Policing National Security shared this information with other Federal Policing senior management team members and with Assistant Deputy Minister National Security Operations.

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

• The "Freedom Convoy" from British Columbia entered Ontario.
• Protective Intelligence Unit provided intelligence updates throughout the day on the status of the convoys, and disseminated them to the Director General of Protective Policing, Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team, Ottawa Police Service, La Sûreté du Québec and the Parliamentary Protective Service. Protective Intelligence Unit establishes contact and information sharing process with Federal Policing National Security.
• Protective Intelligence Unit participated in Ontario Provincial Police Project HENDON conference call where the Ontario Provincial Police advised there is an intelligence gap with respect to the demonstrator's intentions in Ottawa. Protective Intelligence Unit requests for Ontario Provincial Police to send any information that pertains to the protective mandate to the Protective Intelligence Unit general inbox.
• Protective Intelligence Unit disseminated a security update dated January 24, 2022, to the Tactical Internet Operational Support unit and C Division Protective Unit.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated "Special Threat Advisory 2022-02 FREEDOM CONVOY 2022: Converging in Ottawa January 28/29, 2022" internally to Criminal Operations Officers, Division Intelligence Officers, senior management including the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, Deputy Commissioner of Contract and Indigenous Policing, Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing, Assistant Commissioner Federal Policing Criminal Operations, Assistant Commissioner Contract and Indigenous Policing, Executive Director of Intelligence and International Policing, Executive Director of Federal Policing Strategic Management, and various Director Generals from Federal Policing and Contract and Indigenous Policing. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team also disseminated the report externally to Government of Canada intelligence counterparts at Privy Council Office, Public Safety, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canada Border Services Agency, Communications Security Establishment, Global Affairs Canada, Transport Canada, and Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

• INTERSECT advised law enforcement partners in the National Capital Region that the demonstration will be an extremely fluid event that could go on for a prolonged period.
• Protective Intelligence Unit provided intelligence updates throughout the day on the status of the convoys, and disseminated them to the Director General of Protective Policing, Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team, Ottawa Police Service, La Sûreté du Québec and Parliamentary Protective Service.
• Protective Intelligence Unit and National Division's Division Intelligence Officer drafted a briefing note to the Director General Protective Policing outlining the convoy's impact on the protective policing mandate.
• Protective Intelligence Unit produced 3 situational reports (1, 2 and 3) on the "Freedom Convoy" in the National Capital Region. The Director General of Protective Policing disseminated the situational reports to the Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing and "National" Division's Commanding Officer.
• Ottawa Police Service Joint Intelligence Group met with the Protective Intelligence Unit, Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team, Ontario Provincial Police, La Sûreté du Québec, Service de Police de la Ville de Gatineau and Parliamentary Protective Service. Protective Intelligence Unit shared an intelligence update with Ottawa Police Service and provided Federal Policing Threat Assessment Section with Ottawa Police Service information for situational awareness.
• Ministerial Briefings on the "Freedom Convoy" first occurred on this date and subsequent briefings were held on January 26 and 27 and then held daily from January 30 to February 23, 2022. (External Government of Canada briefing)
• Combined Intelligence Group was stood up through National Division, with representation from key internal (Federal Policing Threat Assessment Section) and external operational stakeholders (Ottawa Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Parliamentary Protective Service, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Department of National Defense, Communications Security Establishment, Service de Police de la Ville de Gatineau, La Sûreté du Québec) to facilitate the sharing of information amongst partners in support of operations related to the "Freedom Convoy" 2022 event in the National Capital Region.
• Initiated an interdivisional request for Tactical Support Group support from C and O Divisions. Planned for resources to arrive in the National Capital Region on January 28, 2022, and deploy National Division Tactical Support Group
• The RCMP enhanced its protective policing posture by increasing the presence of uniformed police officers at various protected sites by augmenting close protection support to protectees and increasing patrols.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

• Protective Intelligence Unit produced 3 situational reports (4, 5, and 6). The Director General of Protective Policing disseminated the situational reports to the Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing and National Division's Commanding Officer.
• Protective Policing assigns an increased security package for ministers and protectees. Additional protective resources from C Division are secured, with an anticipated arrival in the National Capital Region on January 28, 2022.
• In Ontario, convoys from Windsor, Fort Erie, Vaughn, and Woodstock were en route to Ottawa.
• Federal Policing National Intelligence Director of Strategic Intelligence, Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team, Combined Intelligence Group and National Division Intelligence Officer agreed to redirect all Request for Information(s) from external agencies to the Combined Intelligence Group.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated "Special Threat Advisory - FREEDOM CONVOY 2022 UPDATES 1 and 2" internally to Criminal Operations Officers, Division Intelligence Officer, senior management including the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, Deputy Commissioner of Contract and Indigenous Policing, Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing, Assistant Commissioner Federal Policing Criminal Operations, Assistant Commissioner Contract and Indigenous Policing, Executive Director of Intelligence and International Policing, Executive Director of Federal Policing Strategic Management, and various Director Generals from Federal Policing and Contract and Indigenous Policing. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team also disseminated the report externally to Government of Canada intelligence counterparts at Privy Council Office, Public Safety, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canada Border Services Agency, Communications Security Establishment, Global Affairs Canada, Transport Canada, and Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team sent the Federal Bureau of Investigation a Request for Information on convoy events in the U.S. the Federal Bureau of Investigation's response is incorporated into the Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team Special Threat Advisory work.
• Combined Intelligence Group participated in 2 INTERSECT meetings.
• The first Deputy Minister's Oversight Committee meeting is held on this date and subsequent meetings were held on the following dates: January 31 to February 3; February 10 to February 14; and February 24. (External Government of Canada briefing)

Friday, January 28, 2022

• Convoys started arriving in Ottawa and blocked major streets in the downtown core.
• Protective Intelligence Unit produced 8 situational reports (7,8,9,10,11, 12, 13, and 14). The Director General of Protective Policing disseminated the situational reports to the Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing and National Division's Commanding Officer.
• 0800 hours the National Capital Region Command Centre was activated.
• Ottawa Police Service requested assistance from Protective Intelligence Unit to identify individuals suspected of having access to radioactive material. Protective Intelligence Unit transferred the request to Protective Policing.
• Protective Intelligence Unit prepared an intelligence update outlining the convoy's itinerary and status of GoFundMe at $5.9 million, and disseminated it to the Director General of Protective Policing, Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team, Ottawa Police Service, La Sûreté du Québec and Parliamentary Protective Service.
• Protective Intelligence Unit received an Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre UNCLASSIFIED report "TH 22/08-A Canada: Extremists may attempt to seize the opportunity of public protest" and shared it with Ottawa Police Service.
• 1000 hours Protective Intelligence Unit activated the Combined Intelligence Group.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated "Special Threat Advisory - FREEDOM CONVOY 2022 UPDATE 3" internally to Criminal Operations Officers, Division Intelligence Officers, senior management including the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, Deputy Commissioner of Contract and Indigenous Policing, Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing, Assistant Commissioner Federal Policing Criminal Operations, Assistant Commissioner Contract and Indigenous Policing, Executive Director of Intelligence and International Policing, Executive Director of Federal Policing Strategic Management, and various Directors General from Federal Policing and Contract and Indigenous Policing. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team also disseminated the report externally to Government of Canada intelligence counterparts at Privy Council Office, Public Safety, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canada Border Services Agency, Communications Security Establishment, Global Affairs Canada, Transport Canada, and Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team received a response from the Federal Bureau of Investigation to their Request for Information.
• Two additional convoys, 1 from the West coast and 1 from the East coast were approaching Ottawa.

Saturday, January 29, 2022

• Protective Intelligence Unit produced 1 situational report (15). The Director General of Protective Policing disseminated the situational report to the Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing and National Division's Commanding Officer.

Monday, January 31, 2022

• The RCMP Commissioner met with Ottawa Police Service Chief Peter Sloly and Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Thomas Carrique to discuss the ongoing Freedom Convoy Blockades in Ottawa.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated "Special Threat Advisory - FREEDOM CONVOY 2022 UPDATE 4" internally to Criminal Operations Officers, Division Intelligence Officers, senior management including the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, Deputy Commissioner of Contract and Indigenous Policing, Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing, Assistant Commissioner Federal Policing Criminal Operations, Assistant Commissioner Contract and Indigenous Policing, Executive Director of Intelligence and International Policing, Executive Director of Federal Policing Strategic Management, and various Directors General from Federal Policing and Contract and Indigenous Policing. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team also disseminated the report externally to Government of Canada intelligence counterparts at Privy Council Office, Public Safety, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canada Border Services Agency, Communications Security Establishment, Global Affairs Canada, Transport Canada, and Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre.
• RCMP Protective Policing began to escort and provide close protection for VIPs/ministers.
• The first call between the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing and Ottawa Police Service occurred, subsequent meetings were held on the following dates: January 31; February 6; February 7; February 13; February 18 to February 21.

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

• The RCMP begins to send frontline resources to support Ottawa Police Service. Deployed National Headquarters resources to offer relief to National Division members regular time off.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team sent a Request for Information to Division Intelligence Officers and Division Criminal Analysis Sections for information on "Freedom Convoy" related events.

Thursday, February 3, 2022

• Deployed National Headquarters frontline resources to offer relief to "National" Division members regular time off.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated a "Special Threat Advisory - FREEDOM CONVOY 2022 UPDATE 5" internally to Criminal Operations Officers, Division Intelligence Officers, senior management including the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, Deputy Commissioner of Contract and Indigenous Policing, Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing, Assistant Commissioner Federal Policing Criminal Operations, Assistant Commissioner Contract and Indigenous Policing, Executive Director of Intelligence and International Policing, Executive Director of Federal Policing Strategic Management, and various Director Generals from Federal Policing and Contract and Indigenous Policing. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team also disseminated the report externally to Government of Canada intelligence counterparts at Privy Council Office, Public Safety, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canada Border Services Agency, Communications Security Establishment, Global Affairs Canada, Transport Canada, and Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre.

Friday, February 4, 2022

• Numerous Quebec convoys enter Ottawa and surrounding area.
• The RCMP deployed frontline resources following Ottawa Police Service's first call for support. National Headquarters secured 20 members for night shift coverage. National Division secured 18 members for day shift coverage.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team and Contract and Indigenous Policing Director General National Criminal Operations Officers hold teleconference call where it is agreed upon to add Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team to the National Criminal Operations Officers email distribution list to provide Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team access to Divisional situation reports.

Saturday, February 5, 2022

• Multiple farm tractor convoys arrive in Ottawa and surrounding area.
• The RCMP deployed 52 members for day shift coverage and 20 members for night shift coverage (some deployed as relief for protective duty deployments and 25 were for Assist Ottawa Police Service and surge capacity).

Sunday, February 6, 2022

• City of Ottawa declared a State of Emergency.
• The RCMP deployed 52 members for day shift coverage and 20 members for night shift coverage (some deployed as relief for protective duty deployments and 25 were for Assist Ottawa Police Service and surge capacity).

Monday, February 7, 2022

• The RCMP's "Freedom Convoy" operation transitioned beyond National Capital Region Command Centre to the RCMP Operations Coordination Centre at RCMP National Headquarters as a result of the magnitude of the demonstrations in Ottawa. The Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing issued instructions to create a second command to lend assistance.
• The RCMP deployed 25 members for day shift coverage and 15 members for night shift coverage for Assist Ottawa Police Service and as requested for surge capacity and/or assist to Protective.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team provided a briefing on the strategic outlook of the Convoy to Federal Policing senior management.

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

• The RCMP established Bronze command - RCMP Ottawa Command: Assist Ottawa Police Service.
• O Division deployed 266 RCMP resources to support mobilization efforts for Assist Ottawa Police Service.

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team sent a Request for Information to Division Criminal Analysis Sections for information on "Freedom Convoy" related events.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated a "Special Threat Advisory - FREEDOM CONVOY 2022 UPDATE 6" internally to Criminal Operations Officers, Division Intelligence Officers, senior management including the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, Deputy Commissioner of Contract and Indigenous Policing, Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing, Assistant Commissioner Federal Policing Criminal Operations, Assistant Commissioner Contract and Indigenous Policing, Executive Director of Intelligence and International Policing, Executive Director of Federal Policing Strategic Management, and various Director Generals from Federal Policing and Contract and Indigenous Policing. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team also disseminated the report externally to Government of Canada intelligence counterparts at Privy Council Office, Public Safety, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canada Border Services Agency, Communications Security Establishment, Global Affairs Canada, Transport Canada, Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre and the Government Operations Centre. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated Special Threat Advisory – FREEDOM CONVOY 2022 UPDATE 1,2,3,4 and 5 to the Government Operations Centre.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team responded to a request from the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing office's regarding intelligence support for the convoy events.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team and the Joint Intelligence Group met to discuss the handoff of taskings and Requests for Information to the Joint Intelligence Group, once the Joint Intelligence Group is activated.
• The Incident Response Group meeting first occurred and subsequent meetings were held on the following dates: February 12; February 16; February 17; February 19 to February 22. (External Government of Canada briefing)

Friday, February 11, 2022

• The Province of Ontario declared a State of Emergency.

Saturday, February 12, 2022

• Integrated Command Centre which included Ottawa Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, RCMP, and La Sûreté du Québec established in Ottawa at the RCMP Operations Coordination Centre. Through the Integrated Command Centre, the RCMP collaborated with Ottawa Police Service (who retained operational command) and Ontario Provincial Police to develop and implement an enforcement plan to respond to the situation in Ottawa.
• The RCMP activated the national Gold, Silver, Bronze Command Structure in response to the "Freedom Convoy" related events across Canada.
• The Gold, Silver, Bronze Command Structure stood up its own intelligence team, the Joint Intelligence Group, as the primary point of contact and coordinating body for all national level situational awareness and operational intelligence sharing.

Sunday, February 13, 2022

• The RCMP Legal Services Unit requested information to support the declaration of a Public Order Emergency from Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team shares the following reports with Legal Services Unit: Special Threat Advisory - FREEDOM CONVOY 2022 UPDATES 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, National Threat Landscape reports on the convoy related events and Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team Strategic Intelligence Assessment 2201-01 "RACIALLY AND ETHNO-NATIONALIST MOTIVATED THREAT LANDSCAPE WITHIN CANADA."
• Privy Council Office requested information from Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team on the convoy related events and Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated the above noted reports to the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Intelligence Assessment Secretariat.

Monday, February 14, 2022

• Executive Director of Intelligence and International Policing received a request from the National Security and Intelligence Advisor for a threat assessment on the threat of the blockades, the individuals involved, the weapons, motivations, and threats to the national interest and institutions. The Executive Director tasked the request to Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team provided an email response to the National Security and Intelligence Advisor's request.
• Government of Canada announced Emergencies Act
• The Joint Intelligence Group commenced reporting of daily situational reports from this date until February 27, 2022. The daily reports were distributed internally to the Commissioner's office, Assistant Commissioner of Contract and Indigenous Policing, Director General National Criminal Operations Officers; Federal Criminal Operations Officers and Criminal Operations Officers; Division Emergency Operations Centre; Federal Policing Director Generals; Bronze Public Safety/Government of Canada RCMP Liaison Officer; National Communications Service; Director of the National Operations Centre; Contract and Indigenous Policing Operational Readiness and Response; and the Senior Executive Committee. Unclassified daily reports were also disseminated to external partners including the Canadian Armed Forces; Canada Border Services Agency; Public Safety; Canadian Security Intelligence Service; Global Affairs Canada; Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre; Transport Canada; Privy Council Office; Communications Security Establishment; Privy Council Office Intelligence Assessment Secretariat; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; Public Health Agency of Canada; Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.
• After the invocation of the Emergencies Act, RCMP commenced preliminary meetings with financial institutions to develop a better understanding of the Emergency Economic Measures Order.
• The first meeting is held between the Ontario Provincial Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, subsequent meetings are held on the following dates: February 14 to February 17; February 23 and February 24.

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

• Emergencies Act proclamation: Emergency Measures Regulations and Emergency Economic Measures Orders came into effect.
• Federal Policing Criminal Operations Financial Crimes had their first meeting with Corporate Security and Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officers from financial institutions. The Federal Policing Criminal Operations Financial Crimes offered to act as the liaison on behalf of all Canadian law enforcement when disclosing information to financial institutions under the Emergency Economic Measures Orders in order to help financial institutions meet their obligations.
• Cryptocurrency Alert #1 with 34 Bitcoin wallet addresses were disclosed to the Virtual Currency Money Service Businesses.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team provided information to Silver Commander, Departmental Security Branch and Director General of National Headquarters on the potential for insider threat concerns.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated a "Special Threat Advisory - FREEDOM CONVOY 2022 UPDATE 7" internally to Criminal Operations Officers, Division Intelligence Officers, senior management including the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, Deputy Commissioner of Contract and Indigenous Policing, Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing, Assistant Commissioner Federal Policing Criminal Operations, Assistant Commissioner Contract and Indigenous Policing, Executive Director of Intelligence and International Policing, Executive Director of Federal Policing Strategic Management, and various Directors General from Federal Policing and Contract and Indigenous Policing. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team also disseminated the report externally to Government of Canada intelligence counterparts at Privy Council Office, Public Safety, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canada Border Services Agency, Communications Security Establishment, Global Affairs Canada, Transport Canada, and Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre.
• As per the Emergency Economic Measures Orders, Federal Policing Criminal Operations Financial Crimes met with Corporate Security and Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officers and provided 18 information disclosures to financial institutions.

Thursday, February 17, 2022

• Cryptocurrency Alert #2 with 113 Bitcoin wallet addresses were disclosed to the Virtual Currency Money Service Businesses.
• Federal Policing Criminal Operations Financial Crimes met with Corporate Security and Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officers and provided 17 information disclosures to financial institutions.
• National Division tasked Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team to conduct a threat assessment on a group of interest.

Friday, February 18, 2022

• Parliament Hill was closed. The Integrated Command Centre established a secured area in downtown Ottawa.
• Tactical Support Groups began to initiate clearing of Wellington Street. Tactical Support Groups cleared the intersection of Mackenzie King Bridge and Nicholas Street on the eastern side of the Rideau Canal eastern pathway. Over 100 arrests had been made and 21 vehicles had been towed.
• Federal Policing Criminal Operations Financial Crimes met with Corporate Security and Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officers from financial institutions and provided 21 information disclosures.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team completed an assessment on a group of interest and disseminated the report "Intelligence Package 2202-01 – GROUP OF INTEREST" to National Division, Federal Policing National Security and the Joint Intelligence Group.

Saturday, February 19, 2022

• Federal Policing Criminal Operations Financial Crimes provided 1 information disclosure to financial institutions.
• Cryptocurrency Alert #3 with 13 Bitcoin wallet addresses were disclosed to the Virtual Currency Money Service Businesses.

Sunday, February 20, 2022

• House of Commons debated Emergencies Act.
• As of 2200 hours Coventry Road was clear of demonstrators. Law enforcement made 2 arrests and towed 25 vehicles from the site. A large police presence remained.

Monday, February 21, 2022

• House of Commons voted on Emergencies Act and measures passed in the House.
• The RCMP issued a public statement to clarify that it shared information on owners and/or drivers of vehicles involved in the illegal blockades with financial institutions and that the RCMP did not provide information on donors to financial institutions.
• Starting on this date, Federal Policing Criminal Operations Financial Crimes began to provide updates to financial institutions when it no longer believed that an entity the RCMP had previously disclosed information on, was engaged in prohibited activities under the Emergency Economic Measures Orders.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

• Senate debate on Emergencies Act
• Federal Policing Criminal Operations Financial Crimes shared 10 Bitcoin wallet addresses with virtual asset service providers.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

• Emergencies Act is revoked and Ontario lifted the state of emergency.
• The Integrated Command Centre reduced the size of the Secured Area.
• The RCMP issued a public statement to clarify that the onus to determine which financial products should be frozen lies with financial institutions.

Thursday, February 24, 2022

• The City of Ottawa lifted its State of Emergency.
• Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team disseminated a "Special Threat Advisory - FREEDOM CONVOY 2022 UPDATE 8" internally to Criminal Operations Officers, Division Intelligence Officers, senior management including the Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, Deputy Commissioner of Contract and Indigenous Policing, Assistant Commissioner of National Security and Protective Policing, Assistant Commissioner Federal Policing Criminal Operations, Assistant Commissioner Contract and Indigenous Policing, Executive Director of Intelligence and International Policing, Executive Director of Federal Policing Strategic Management, and various Directors General from Federal Policing and Contract and Indigenous Policing. Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team also disseminated the report externally to Government of Canada intelligence counterparts at Privy Council Office, Public Safety, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Canada Border Services Agency, Communications Security Establishment, Global Affairs Canada, Transport Canada, Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre, and Five Eyes agencies.

Saturday, February 26, 2022

• The Joint Intelligence Group was stood down.

Sunday, February 27, 2022

• The Combined Intelligence Group was stood down.

E Division: Demonstrations at the Pacific Highway port of entry

The Pacific Highway port of entry is between Surrey, British Columbia, and Blaine, Washington, United States, Surrey RCMP is the police of jurisdiction for the area of the Pacific Highway. Prior to the commencement of the blockade at Pacific Highway border crossing in Surrey, E Division maintained situational awareness and reported on demonstrations relating to public health measures. The RCMP gathered intelligence with respect to these events in order to prepare operational responses on an as needed basis.

Friday, January 28, 2022

• E Division's Real Time Intelligence Centre was tasked with providing situational awareness on all demonstration activity in British Columbia related to the "Freedom Convoy" and public health measures.

Monday, February 7, 2022

• E Division activated a Gold, Silver, Bronze Command Structure to provide command and control support to the districts and other police of jurisdiction. E Division Gold, Silver, Bronze command was tasked with maintaining situational awareness of the demonstrations.
• Community Industry Response Group was tasked to monitor and report on demonstration activities related to the "Freedom Convoy."

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

• E Division members were deployed to the British Columbia Legislature, Peace Arch, and Osoyoos Border Crossing to assist with other demonstrations taking place.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

• At 0800 hours a Gold, Silver, Bronze command meeting was held to discuss the command structure and resources available across E Division.

Saturday, February 12, 2022

• Demonstrators set up a blockade at the Pacific Highway port of entry, forcing the port of entry to close.
• Under the direction of the Gold commander, the Community-Industry Response Group prepared operational plans to respond to convoy related protests across the province.
• The Command Team developed an operational plan to disperse demonstrators at the Pacific Highway port of entry.

Sunday, February 13, 2022

• The RCMP began to clear demonstrators who had been blocking vehicle access from the Pacific Highway port of entry and a small number of people were arrested.
• At 1152 hours, the RCMP advised drivers and pedestrians to stay away from the area and use an alternate port of entry.

Monday, February 14, 2022

• The Emergencies Act is invoked.
• Tactical Support Group and uniformed members cleared all demonstrators along 176th Street and opened access to the Pacific Highway port of entry. The RCMP arrested 12 demonstrators for Criminal Code

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

• Demonstrators returned to 176th Street and 7th Avenue near the Pacific Highway port of entry.
• The Pacific Highway port of entry remained open. Tactical Support Group and uniformed members continued to control access to the northbound and southbound entrance of the Pacific Highway port of entry.

Thursday, February 17, 2022

• Approximately a dozen demonstrators were still on site at the corner of 176th Street and 8th
• The RCMP set up checkpoints on side streets between 2nd and 4th Avenue.

Friday, February 18, 2022

• The RCMP set up additional checkpoints to prepare for another convoy heading towards the Pacific Highway port of entry.
• The RCMP Commissioner sent a letter to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General for British Columbia to inform the Minister that the Commissioner was invoking sub article 9.4 of the British Columbia Police Service Agreement to temporarily deploy Regular Members to Ottawa.

Saturday, February 19, 2022

• The Pacific Highway port of entry was closed.
• A convoy of approximately 400 vehicles arrived at the Pacific Highway port of entry to demonstrate.
• Tactical Support Group members were deployed to Pacific Highway port of entry.
• At 2034 hours the Pacific Highway port of entry was re-opened.

Sunday, February 20, 2022

• Approximately 80-100 demonstrators, and 40 vehicles remained at 8th Avenue. No demonstrators were located at the Pacific Highway port of entry.

Monday, February 21, 2022

• Approximately 5 demonstrators remained at the intersection of 176th Street and 8th Avenue. No demonstrators were located at the Pacific Highway port of entry.

K Division: Demonstrations at Coutts port of entry

The Coutts port of entry is positioned on Highway 4 in Canada, and the I-15 in the state of Montana. Coutts is in the Milk River Detachment area. Del Bonita is in the Raymond Detachment area, and Carway is in the Cardston Detachment area.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

• The Government of Alberta's Minister of Justice's Office advised K Division of an upcoming blockade at the Coutts port of entry.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

• The Edmonton Police Service alerted K Division Special Tactical Operations of a planned blockade at Coutts port of entry. Special Tactical Operations started planning for the blockade and identified 10 uniformed members for Special Tactical Operations.
• Special Tactical Operations created a unified command with K Division Integrated Traffic Unit and Alberta Sheriffs Commercial enforcement.

Friday, January 28, 2022

• K Division Criminal Analysis Section shared an intelligence report on the planned blockade for January 29, 2022, at the Coutts, Carway, and Del Bonita ports of entry. The impacted detachments, including Leduc, Milk River, Raymond, Athabasca, Airdrie, Barrhead, Blackfalds, Bidsbury, Innisfail, Morinville, Okotoks, Olds, Parkland, Ponoka, Red Deer, Westlock, Wetaskiwin, Grand Prairie were notified.
• K Division approved a draft operational plan.

Saturday, January 29, 2022

• Vehicles blockaded Highway 4, the main highway leading to and from the Coutts port of entry.
• K Division activated the Alberta Divisional Emergency Operations Centre and the Gold, Silver, Bronze Command Structure. K Division developed a deployment plan for Coutts-Sweetgrass.
• K Division Community Conflict Management Group members were deployed to liaise with individuals involved in the blockade.

Sunday, January 30, 2022

• The RCMP, Canada Border Services Agency, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection formed a coordination group, the Coutts Coordination Group.
• K Division Special Tactical Operations shared the arrest plan and high-volume arrest protocol with the Southern Alberta District command team and provided a situational awareness briefing.
• Splinter groups began to form from the original blockade organizing group. The splinter groups refused to engage in ongoing communications with Community Conflict Management Group members.

Monday, January 31, 2022

• Community Conflict Management Group members communicated with original blockade organizers throughout the day, but could not reach an agreement to end the blockade. The RCMP continued to attempt to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the blockade throughout its duration.
• The Community Conflict Management Group began executing a plan to escort approximately 30 semi-trucks that were stuck north of the border due to the blockade.

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

• K Division requests the deployment of Alberta Sheriff's highway patrol with valid Class 1 licences to Coutts.
• The RCMP intended to take enforcement action to remove the blockading vehicles however, local tow truck companies withdrew their assistance prior to enforcement action due to concerns arising from negative attention and commentary on social media.

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

• Approximately 100 semi-trucks continued to block the Coutts port of entry.
• K Division reached out to over 80 different tow truck companies in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan for assistance. No company contacted by the RCMP would agree to assist. The RCMP also engaged with Canada Border Services Agency to allow the entry of foreign tow trucks from the U.S., and reached out to over 25 American tow truck companies. The American companies also refused to assist.
• Discussions between RCMP members and the demonstrators resulted in the demonstrators agreeing to open up 1 northbound and 1 southbound lane on Highway 4.
• Commanding Officer of K Division requested that the Acting Minister of Justice and Solicitor General of Alberta invoke Article 9.1 of the Provincial and Municipal Police Services Agreements, authorizing the redeployment of RCMP officers assigned to specific municipalities to the Coutts port of entry blockade.
• K Division requested air services support from F and K Divisions from January 29, 2022, to February 3, 2022.

Thursday, February 3, 2022

• RCMP members escorted 4 commercial vehicles from a checkpoint to the Coutts port of entry. The demonstrators responded by moving vehicles to completely shut down a stretch of Highway 4.

Friday, February 4, 2022

• K Division submitted a request to RCMP National Headquarters for Canadian Armed Forces equipment and personnel to assist in Coutts.

Sunday, February 6, 2022

• Community Conflict Management Group members liaised with demonstrators and the community to develop a process to move the demonstration to a checkpoint for public and officer safety.

Monday, February 7, 2022

• K Division Criminal Analysis Section disseminated an Open Source Intelligence report on Coutts and related public order events to K Division Gold, Silver, Bronze command and Canada Border Services Agency.
• Three tractors blocked the Coutts port of entry throughout the night.

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

• After the Alberta Premier announced that provincial mandates would be lifted in Alberta within the coming weeks, demonstrators realigned the existing commercial vehicles and tractors to block the Coutts port of entry.

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

• All K Division Special Tactical Operations members given a mandatory deployment to the Coutts blockade.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

• RCMP received information that a small group of individuals within the larger protest groups, was determined and prepared to commit violence, including killing police, if police were to take any enforcement action to clear the blockade.

Friday, February 11, 2022

• The RCMP obtained judicial authorization to intercept private communication pursuant to section 184.4 of the Criminal Code to prevent imminent harm to police.

Saturday, February 12, 2022

• The RCMP requested Canada Border Services Agency suspend all services at the Coutts port of entry to control vehicle access to the port of entry and preserve public safety.

Sunday, February 13, 2022

• A farm tractor and semi-truck breached a police check point at the Coutts port of entry and attempted to ram police vehicles. The RCMP arrested both drivers, and seized both vehicles.
• The RCMP obtained search warrants for a residential property and the Smugglers Saloon in Coutts, Alberta.

Monday, February 14, 2022

• In the early morning, the RCMP executed search warrants on 3 separate trailers located on a residential property and arrested 11 individuals, with charges including conspiracy to murder RCMP officers. A significant cache of firearms and ammunition were seized.
• Later in the day, the RCMP arrested 2 additional individuals related to the above noted search warrant in Coutts, Alberta.
• The RCMP was also investigating 3 additional individuals believed to be connected to the large group of individuals arrested earlier in the morning, as well as 20 individuals who played a key role in the blockade.
• At approximately 1400 hours the Federal Government invoked the Emergencies Act.
• Organizers of the blockade approached the Community Conflict Management Group members at approximately 1600 hours voicing their intention to dissolve the blockade. An agreement was struck to vacate the location by 0900 hours on February 15, 2022.
• At approximately 1900 hours the Coutts port of entry is reopened.

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

• The blockade dispersed peacefully. The Coutts port of entry remained fully operational.
• The Alberta Minister of Transport set up an alternate demonstration site in Milk River.
• While events continued north of the Coutts port of entry and at the Milk River site, no further attempts to block the highway and the port of entry occurred.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

• A K Division Gold, Silver, Bronze daily meeting was held to provide updates on the current situation at the protest sites and the enforcement plan.

D Division: Blockade at Emerson port of entry

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

• An individual identifying as the demonstration organizer advised the RCMP they were planning a slow-roll demonstration on January 29, 2022, near the Canada-U.S. border crossing in Emerson (Emerson port of entry). The RCMP advised the individual that any unlawful activity during the demonstration could result in criminal, traffic, or bylaw sanctions.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

• The RCMP advised the demonstration organizer of possible violations under the Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act in addition to potential penalties.
• The RCMP prepared a media release to advise the public of potential traffic delays at the Emerson port of entry.

Saturday, January 29, 2022

• Demonstrators held a slow-roll demonstration at the Emerson port of entry and the RCMP maintained a presence to ensure public safety and to assist with traffic congestion.

Sunday, January 30, 2022

• Demonstrators held another slow-roll at the Emerson port of entry and the RCMP maintained a presence to ensure public safety and to assist with traffic congestion.

Monday, January 31, 2022

• Demonstrators held another slow-roll at the Emerson port of entry. RCMP advised the demonstration leader to end the event as a blizzard was expected. All demonstrators departed from the port of entry area by 2100 hours.

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

• A small group of semi-trucks and vehicles returned to the Emerson port of entry for another slow-roll. The RCMP was in communication with the demonstration leader and it was agreed that trucks would not stop on the highway or otherwise impede traffic. The demonstration leader relocated the demonstration to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in Winnipeg.

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

• The RCMP were advised that a group of convoy supporters may attempt to block the Emerson port of entry.
• The RCMP developed an operational plan in the event of a blockade at the Emerson port of entry.

Thursday, February 10, 2022

• Approximately 50 semi-trailers, farm vehicles and passenger vehicles blocked the Emerson port of entry.
• Divisional Liaison Team members met with a lawyer representing the demonstrators. Through discussions, the demonstrators agreed to allow transports carrying livestock, Canada Border Services Agency and emergency vehicles through the blockade.
• From February 10 to 14, Division Liaison Team members attended the Emerson port of entry to liaise with demonstrators to discuss a peaceful resolution to the blockade.

Friday, February 11, 2022

• Demonstrators continued to block the Emerson port of entry.
• The Government of Manitoba announced it was relaxing a number of its public health orders.
• D Division Criminal Operations Officers held an operational planning session to discuss enforcement action at the Emerson port of entry.

Saturday, February 12, 2022

• Division Liaison Team met with the demonstrators' lawyer to discuss access to the Emerson port of entry for livestock and to advise of the potential charges that the demonstrators could face if the blockade was not cleared.

Sunday, February 13, 2022

• D Division Criminal Operations Officers and Manitoba East District held an operational planning session to discuss enforcement action at the Emerson port of entry.
• Division Liaison Team advised the demonstrators' lawyer of potential enforcement actions, including charges against demonstrators. The demonstrators' lawyer advised the RCMP that a decision to end the blockade was going to be addressed the morning of February 14, 2022.

Monday, February 14, 2022

• The RCMP continued to negotiate with the demonstrators.
• At approximately 1400 hours the Federal Government invoked the Emergencies Act.
• That afternoon, demonstrators advised the blockade would likely end soon.
• D Division Criminal Operations Officers and Manitoba East District planned to initiate enforcement action as early as February 15, 2022 should the blockade still remain.

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

• The demonstrators agreed to end the blockade at midday on February 16, 2022.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

• The RCMP coordinated and escorted the convoy vehicles out of the Emerson area to ensure a safe and orderly departure. The RCMP maintained a presence in the area to ensure the highway and the port of entry remained open and accessible.

O Division: Assistance to police of jurisdictions

O Division was not the police of jurisdiction for convoy related events in Ontario. O Division provided assistance to other police of jurisdictions including the Ontario Provincial Police, Ottawa Police Service and the Windsor Police Service.

Demonstrations in other RCMP jurisdictions

Chapter 1 – Command and control systems

Chapter 2 – Intelligence sharing and related activities

Chapter 3 – Mobilization

Chapter 4 – Employee wellness

Chapter 5 – Other findings

Chapter 1 – Command and control systems

1. It is recommended that the RCMP provide an organizational definition of a major event for clarity and consistency of use. The definition can be based on an existing definition such as those found in Incident Command System, Gold, Silver, Bronze or the RCMP Operations Manual, but must be consistently used across both Federal Policing and Contract and Indigenous Policing.
2. It is recommended that the RCMP initiate Initial Critical Incident Response Level 100 mandatory training for all RCMP employees, including Civilian Members and Public Service Employees.
3. Aligned with Mass Casualty Commission Recommendation P.5, it is recommended that the RCMP ensures that anyone who is in an incident command role in National Headquarters is trained at the appropriate level before assuming this command role. Anyone chosen for an incident command role should be selected based on command experience irrespective of management level as a Regular Member, Civilian Member, or Public Service Employee.

4. Aligned with Public Order Emergency Commission Recommendation 15, it is recommended that the RCMP work with external stakeholders including, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Police College, Public Safety Canada and their provincial and territorial counterparts to develop and implement a standard command and control model for Canadian law enforcement agencies.

   NATTERJACK recognizes the challenges associated with getting all law enforcement agencies to agree to 1 command and control model and as an alternative, collective efforts should focus on ensuring the inter-operability of existing command and control models.

5. Aligned with Public Order Emergency Commission Recommendation 20, it is recommended that the RCMP work with other affected police services to develop an expedited accreditation process for swearing in Regular Members.
6. It is recommended that the RCMP re-examine internal communication policies and practices to ensure RCMP employees receive consistent, timely and appropriate levels of communication in support of their respective roles during major events.
7. Aligned with Public Order Emergency Commission Recommendation 22 and Mass Casualty Commission Recommendation P.17, it is recommended that the RCMP assign a media liaison officer for every public order event to ensure timely and accurate communication with the public.
8. Aligned with Mass Casualty Commission Recommendation P.5, it is recommended that the RCMP continue to develop clear and consistent terms of reference and/or standard operating procedures to respond to future major events.
9. Aligned with Mass Casualty Commission Recommendation C.8, P1.1, P.8, and P.16.c, it is also recommended that the RCMP work with other law enforcement partners to develop and implement national table-top exercises that includes at a minimum, 1 annual exercise involving all categories of employees for the RCMP (Regular Members, Civilian Members, and Public Service Employees) to enhance readiness and preparedness.

Chapter 2 – Intelligence sharing and related activities

1. It is recommended that the RCMP develop and implement a Major Event Intelligence Unit to oversee the management, collection, coordination, and dissemination of information and intelligence on major planned or unplanned events that are multijurisdictional and/or have national significance.
2. It is recommended that the RCMP continue existing efforts to develop a governance structure for its intelligence program that clarifies the roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines of various intelligence program areas to minimize the duplication of intelligence efforts across the organization.
3. It is recommended that the RCMP deliver information and training sessions on the role of intelligence for decision makers. The role of intelligence in decision making should be included in the curriculum of the RCMP's selected command and control model.
4. It is recommended that the RCMP Major Events Intelligence Unit, as a centre of expertise, be responsible for all intelligence analyst training on public order intelligence analysis. This would ensure the RCMP has a cadre of trained intelligence analysts who could be deployed to RCMP Divisions when required to assist with public order events that are multi-jurisdictional and/or have national significance.
5. It is recommended that the RCMP employ an intelligence coordination unit such as a Major Events Intelligence Unit to disseminate information and intelligence to deployed frontline members for public order events that are multijurisdictional and/or have national significance.
6. It is recommended that the RCMP provide regular operational updates to frontline members while being deployed to a major and/or public order event.
7. It is recommended that the RCMP work with external partners, including the private sector to develop a secure means to share information at the appropriate classification level.
8. It is recommended that the RCMP consider assigning a Liaison Officer for the Government of Canada prior to major events and public order events that are multijurisdictional and/or have national significance to manage the flow of information between the RCMP and the Government of Canada.
9. It is recommended that the RCMP review and clarify operational policy for information collection in support of operations that does not have a clear nexus to criminality. Such a policy should specify authorities for collection, information storage, consistent use, exchange and retention of information.
10. It is recommended that the RCMP approach the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Committee and explore the utility of creating an Intelligence Committee to advocate, address and advance issues of importance in criminal analysis that contribute to Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police's overall mandate of "safety and security for all Canadians through innovative leadership."

Chapter 3 – Mobilization

1. Aligned with Public Order Emergency Commission Recommendation 12, it is recommended that the RCMP re-establish the National Headquarters mobilization unit to provide mobilization support for other events that are not designated major events.
2. It is recommended that the RCMP Operations Coordination Centre liaise with Divisional Emergency Operations Centres to determine and maintain ongoing awareness of each Division's capacity and resources available to respond to events.
3. Aligned with Public Order Emergency Commission Recommendation 3, it is recommended that the RCMP develop a standard Memorandum of Agreement for deployments to prevent unnecessary and future administrative delays.

Chapter 4 – Employee wellness

1. It is recommended that the RCMP ensure that there is effective staffing support and relief available for all categories of employees for future major events.
2. It is recommended that the RCMP assign an individual to be responsible for member wellness alongside a union representative during all RCMP major event deployments.

Chapter 5 – Other findings

1. It is recommended that the RCMP manage event files separately from the criminal investigative files to simplify criminal case disclosure and responses to Access to Information and Privacy Act.

   To effectively implement this recommendation a review and revision of existing operational policy may be required.

2. It is recommended that the RCMP utilize Police Reporting and Occurrence System and Police Records Information Management Environment for intelligence and criminal investigative files related to public order events to ensure that information is accessible to all RCMP intelligence practitioners working on the same file or issue(s) nationwide.

   To effectively implement this recommendation a review and revision of existing operational policy may be required.

3. It is recommended that the RCMP utilize trained scribes to document decisions of business value during events and for these notes to be transcribed and retained on the appropriate Police Reporting and Occurrence System/Police Records Information Management Environment or Secure Police Reporting and Occurrence System file consistent with Recommendation 5.2 above.
4. It is recommended that the RCMP ensure Regular Members are compliant with the mandatory training requirements necessary for front-line deployment. Particular emphasis needs to be placed on significantly increasing and maintaining compliance rates of Regular Members at National Headquarters.
5. It is recommended that the RCMP appropriately staff the National Headquarters Mandatory Training Unit to ensure mandatory training is delivered and compliance rates in this regard are significantly increased for National Headquarters Regular Member personnel consistent with Recommendation 5.4. Additionally, it is recommended that the RCMP secure a permanent suitable training facility to carry out this training.
6. It is recommended that the RCMP work with the Canadian Police College to facilitate the integration of intelligence analysts into the Community Conflict Management Group course.
7. It is also recommended that the RCMP develop and deliver a training course on public order intelligence for RCMP intelligence analysts working on such events. The course should provide analysts training on the following:
   • RCMP's role during public order events
   • Analysts role in producing tactical, operational, and strategic products
   • Instruction on use of various analytical techniques during public order events, in particular the Public Order Threat Assessment methodology
   • Suite of intelligence products for pre-event, during the event and post-event
   • The need to share information and not restrict information between internal units and with external Canadian Law Enforcement Agencies while respecting the third-party rule

Introduction

The project team NATTERJACK is developing an after-action review that captures lessons learned from the RCMP's activities related to the Freedom Convoy 2022 events in January and February 2022. The goal is to identify, share and institutionalize insights, and inform policy-makers.

Survey responses will inform the after-action review on the following four topics:

• Information sharing
• Cooperation and coordination
• Authorities of peace officers
• Health and safety of employees (4 subtopics)

Each topic/subtopic has between 4 and 9 questions in this survey. Please note that you have the option in the survey of skipping over any topic you do not want to address or selecting "Prefer not to answer and/or Not applicable" within a block of topic questions as a response.

The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Your participation is voluntary, but will be greatly valued. The information you provide will be administered in accordance with the Privacy Act and other applicable laws and will be confidential. Your answers will remain anonymous and will only be shared in an aggregate format.

Important survey navigation information

Use the "Previous page" and "Next page" buttons located at the bottom of each page. Do not use the navigation buttons at the top of your browser or the corresponding shortcut keys.

Responses are required for all questions denoted with an asterisk (*).

Session timeout:

After one hour (60 minutes) of inactivity, your session will time out. You will not be able to access any of your unsaved information.

To save your information:

If you cannot complete the questionnaire in one session (60 minutes), you can save the information you have entered by pressing the "Save and continue later" button located at the bottom of the page. You will be asked to enter your email address so that the system can send you a link to continue at a later time. Please note that your email will not be saved and your responses will remain anonymous.

Select "Next Page" to begin the survey.

Notice: Please note that all information collected in this survey will remain confidential. However, do not include any protected or sensitive information in your comments.

Your roles(s)

In this section we would like to learn about your role(s) within the RCMP and with respect to RCMP activities associated with the Freedom Convoy 2022 events.

Note: Throughout this survey, your "role/responsibility, duty or command structure" is that which you were assigned during the Freedom Convoy 2022.

What was your role with respect to RCMP activities associated with the Freedom Convoy 2022 events?

Select all that apply.

• Front line uniform
• Administrative support (for example, called to scribe or provide administrative support to a command structure or group involved in supporting blockade)
• Emergency Response Team and Tact Troop
• Logistical support to front line (for example, aided with movement of vehicles, equipment/technology, delivery of meals, shift schedules)
• Intelligence support (for example, Joint Intelligence Group, Combined Intelligence Group, Protective Intelligence Unit, Ideologically Motivated Criminal Intelligence Team, Division Criminal Analysis Section)
• Communications
• Other, please specify:
• Prefer not to answer
• I did not have a role with respect to RCMP activities associated with the Freedom Convoy.

What is your category of employee?

• Regular member
• Civilian member
• Public service employee
• Other, please specify:
• Prefer not to answer

What is your level/rank?

• Special constable
• Constable
• Corporal
• Staff Sergeant / Sergeant Major / Sergeant
• Inspector
• Superintendent
• Chief Superintendent or higher
• Prefer not to answer

How many years of service do you have with the RCMP?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-5 years
• 6-10 years
• 11-15 years
• 16-20 years
• 21-25 years
• 26-30 years
• 31-35 years
• More than 35 years
• Prefer not to answer

In which RCMP division was your substantive position in January-February 2022?

• B Division (Newfoundland and Labrador)
• C Division (Quebec)
• D Division (Manitoba)
• Depot Division (Regina, Saskatchewan)
• E Division (British Columbia)
• F Division (Saskatchewan)
• G Division (Northwest Territories)
• H Division (Nova Scotia)
• J Division (New Brunswick)
• K Division (Alberta)
• L Division (Prince Edward Island)
• M Division (Yukon)
• National Division
• National Headquarters
• O Division (Ontario)
• V Division (Nunavut)
• Prefer not to answer

Where were you deployed with respect to RCMP activities associated with the Freedom Convoy 2022 events?

Select all that apply.

• National Headquarters (Ottawa)
• Ottawa, Ontario (National Capital Region and downtown Ottawa)
• Windsor, Ontario
• Emerson, Manitoba
• Coutts, Alberta
• Pacific Highway crossing, British Columbia
• Other, please specify:
• Prefer not to answer

Information sharing

In this section we would like to learn more about information sharing in relation to the Freedom Convoy 2022, including the events leading up to the invocation of the Emergencies Act, and at the conclusion of the protest.

Please note: If you do not want to address this topic in your survey response, simply scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the "Next page" button.

From where did you primarily receive information needed to undertake your role(s) during the Freedom Convoy 2022 events?

Select all that apply.

• Protective Intelligence Unit
• Combined Intelligence Group
• Joint Intelligence Group
• Ideologically Motivated Intelligence Team
• National Operations Coordination Centre
• My command structure (for example, from your supervisor/team lead)
• External partners (Canada Border Services Agency, Ontario Provincial Police, Ottawa Police Service, others)
• Colleagues (from your substantive and/or other divisions)
• Other, please specify:

Thinking about your experiences while on duty during the Freedom Convoy 2022 events, please indicate to which extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements.

Note: "Information sharing" mechanisms for this survey include "Situational Reports", "be on the look outs" and other internal communication tools used to convey information needed for your role(s) during the Freedom Convoy 2022 events.

Cooperation and coordination

In this section we would like to learn more about RCMP internal and inter-agency cooperation and coordination.

Please note: If you do not want to address this topic in your survey response, simply scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the "Next page" button.

Thinking about your experiences while on duty during the Freedom Convoy 2022 events, please indicate to which extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements.

Authorities of peace officers

In this section we would like to learn more about the authorities of peace officers, both within existing legislation, policy and agreements and under the Emergencies Act, which was invoked between February 14-23, 2021.

Please note: If you do not want to address this topic in your survey response, simply scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the "Next page" button.

Thinking about your experiences while on duty during the Freedom Convoy 2022 events, please indicate to which extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements.

Health and safety of employees

In this section we would like to learn more about the health and safety of employees. Questions will focus on: the mobilization of employees, morale and support provided professionally and otherwise, training requirements (specific training, recertification, additional training needed) and safety measures and equipment.

Please note: If you do not want to address this topic in your survey response, simply scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the "Next page" button.

Thinking about your experiences while on duty during the Freedom Convoy 2022 events, please indicate to which extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements.

Based on previous training you had received, how well prepared did you feel to apply public order tactics during the Freedom Convoy 2022 events?

• Well prepared
• Somewhat prepared
• Slightly prepared
• Not at all prepared

Please explain why you felt unprepared to apply crowd control tactics.

Based on previous training you had received, how well prepared did you feel to apply the use of force during the Freedom Convoy 2022 events?

• Well prepared
• Somewhat prepared
• Slightly prepared
• Not at all prepared

Please explain why you felt unprepared to apply the use of force.

Which of the following routine certifications, needed to undertake your role(s) within your command structure, were not up-to-date during the Freedom Convoy 2022 events?

Select all that apply.

• Annual Firearms Qualification
• Carbine Operator
• Conduced Energy Weapon
• First Aid
• Indoor Immediate Action/Rapid Deployment
• Initial Critical Incident Response
• Operational Skills Maintenance
• Outdoor Immediate Action/Rapid Deployment
• Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation
• Other, please specify:
• Prefer not to answer

Safety measures and equipment

Thinking about your experiences while on duty during the Freedom Convoy 2022 events, please indicate to which extent you agree or disagree with the following statement.

Please specify which uniform, kit, tools and technology was needed and not available to you to safely and effectively undertake your role(s) during the Freedom Convoy 2022 events.

Reflections on lessons learned

As a reminder, the four topic areas explored in this survey include:

• Information sharing
• Cooperation and coordination
• Authorities of peace officers
• Health and safety of employees

Challenges, priorities to do differently: Reflecting on your experiences while on duty during Freedom Convoy 2022 events, what actions could the RCMP take to help improve members' and employees' ability to respond to comparable events in the future? (250 characters max)

Worked well, priorities to continue to do: Reflecting on your experiences while on duty during Freedom Convoy 2022 events, what actions taken by the RCMP helped members' and employees' ability to respond to these events? (250 characters max)

Demographic

We are collecting some information on the socio-demographic characteristics of survey respondents. This information will be used to help support our analyses of equity, diversity and inclusion as it relates to this survey. Your participation is voluntary and your responses will be kept confidential.

What is your age group?

• 24 years and under
• 25 to 29 years
• 30 to 34 years
• 35 to 39 years
• 40 to 44 years
• 45 to 49 years
• 50 to 54 years
• 55 to 59 years
• 60 years and over
• Prefer not to answer

Self-declaration to one or several designated employment equity groups through this survey is done purely on a voluntary basis. Data collected through this survey will be used exclusively to analyze survey results and does not otherwise modify self-identification data held by the RCMP for the purpose of implementing the Employment Equity Act.

What is your gender?

• Woman
• Man
• Another gender
• Prefer not to answer

Are you an Indigenous person?

• Yes
• No
• Prefer not to answer

Are you a person with a disability?

• Yes
• No
• Prefer not to answer

Are you a member of a visible minority group?

• Yes
• No
• Prefer not to answer

Employee survey – NATTERJACK – September 2022

A chart describing details of the Ottawa truck demonstration

Ottawa Police Service pamphlet

Service de Police d'Ottawa

Avis aux participants à la manifestation

C'est une infraction criminelle que d'empêcher, d'interrompre ou de gêner volontairement l'emploi, la jouissance où l'exploitation légitimes d'un bien.

On appelle cette infraction un méfait a l'égard des biens.

L'acte illégal de bloquer des rues dans le centre-ville a pour conséquence que des gens soient privés de l'emploi, de la jouissance et de l'exploitation légitimes de leur bien.

Nous vous prévenons que quiconque bloquera des rues, ou qui aidera d'autres à le faire, pourrait de ce fait commettre une infraction criminelle.

Vous devez donc cesser immédiatement toute activité illégale ou être sinon passible de devoir répondre d'accusations.

Vous pourriez être arrêté sans mandat pour cette infraction si vous êtes impliqué dans une infraction ou aidez autrui, directement ou indirectement, à la perpétration de cette infraction.

Que vous soyez ou non libéré sous caution dépendra de facteurs figurant dans la partie XVI du Code criminel.

Tout bien lié à l'infraction, y compris des véhicules, peut être saisi comme faisant partie de l'infraction. Les véhicules peuvent être retenus et, à la suite d'une condamnation, possiblement confisqués.

Les accusations ou condamnations liées à la manifestation peuvent entraîner une interdiction de franchir la frontière des États-Unis.

Ottawa Police Service

Notice to demonstration participants

It is a criminal offence to obstruct, interrupt or interfere with the lawful use, enjoyment, or operation of property.

The offence is known as mischief to property.

The unlawful act of blocking streets in the downtown core is resulting in people being denied the lawful use, enjoyment and operation of their property.

We are providing you notice that anyone blocking streets or assisting others in the block of streets may be committing a criminal offence.

You must immediately cease further unlawful activity or you may face charges.

You could be arrested without a warrant for this offence if you are a party to the offence or assisting others in the direct or indirect commission in this offence.

Whether you are released on bail depends on factors contained in Part XVI of the Criminal Code.

Offence-related property, including vehicles, may be seized as part of the offence. The vehicles may be detained and, following a conviction, possibly forfeited.

Charges or convictions related to the unlawful activity associated with the demonstration may lead to denial in crossing the USA border.

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