RCMP investigating harassment of Chrystia Freeland in Alberta

The RCMP is investigating the verbal harassment of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland that happened in Alberta last week.

Freeland was the target of a profane tirade in Grande Prairie, Alta. over the weekend – an incident that drew national attention.

The interaction, which was caught on video and shared widely online, shows a man insulting and berating Freeland as she gets into an elevator at city hall.

The RCMP tells CityNews it “takes threats against public officials seriously” and “physical action and statements made in person or online can have a significant impact and can be against the law.”

Investigators say they are working to figure out whether or not the man’s words and actions directed towards Freeland amount to a criminal charge. If not, the RCMP “examines the threats and derogatory comments from an intelligence perspective.”

The RCMP notes that MPs can receive protection from officers “as needed,” but did not specify whether or not Freeland is under police protection at this time for security reasons.

“The RCMP is committed to safeguarding Canadian dignitaries who fall under the RCMP’s purview, including Members of Parliament and Ministers of the Crown, based on the latest threat and risk assessments. To ensure the safety of those we protect, as well as of our members, we do not disclose information pertaining to threat assessments, related subjects, or about our specific protective measures,” the RCMP said in a statement to CityNews.

Canada’s deputy PM issued a statement Saturday evening, saying what happened in Grande Prairie was “wrong.” She posted the statement alongside a photo of her and her family in Alberta.

“Nobody, anywhere, should have to put up with threats and intimidation,” she wrote.

“But the Alberta I know is filled with kind and welcoming people, and I’m grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from so many people in Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Peace River over the past few days. One unpleasant incident yesterday doesn’t change that.”

Freeland added she is a proud Albertan and looks forward to keep returning to the “great province.”

The incident involving Freeland drew widespread condemnation from several politicians, including both Jason Kenney, leader of Alberta’s United Conservative Party, and Rachel Notley, leader of the provincial New Democratic Party.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino says the incident is part of a broader pattern of objectionable behaviour, aimed in particular at women, people of colour, and Indigenous people.

He said this week it is important to “bring the temperature down,” adding federal officials are keeping options open to better address the phenomenon.

–With files from the Canadian Press