Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freedland on Wednesday said the country was freezing ties as it investigated the matter and did not rule out any outcome.

Ottawa will launch a review of allegations made by a Canadian official who resigned as the bank's communications director, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said.

Justin Trudeau has officially submitted Canada's application to join a controversial new international infrastructure bank led by China - an initiative the Asian country hopes will help build its economic credibility around the world.