Canada Investigating Potential Election Interference From China And Russia

Topline

The Canadian government announced Thursday it would launch a public inquiry into whether China, Russia and other countries interfered in recent Canadian elections, after a similar probe initiated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this year was cut short amid criticism by the Conservative Party.

Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said the probe will be completed by the end of 2024.

Key Facts

Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced Thursday that Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josee Hogue would lead the public inquiry that was “unanimously approved by the opposition parties.”

The inquiry will investigate allegations by members of Canada’s Conservative Party related to possible interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections by the Chinese, Russian, Iranian and Indian governments, LeBlanc said.

Hogue will investigate how information was passed between senior government decision-makers, including election officials.

LeBlanc said an interim report by the inquiry will be released on February 29, 2024, while a final report will be released by December 2024.

Crucial Quote

“Foreign interference in Canadian democratic institutions is unacceptable,” LeBlanc said. “China is not the only foreign actor that seeks to undermine democratic institutions in Canada or other Western democracies. This challenge is not unique to Canada.”

Contra

Trudeau has previously denied the possibility that Canada’s elections had been interfered with, suggesting earlier this year that “Canada has some of the best and most robust elections in the world.” He added: “All Canadians can have total confidence that the outcomes in the 2019 and 2021 elections were determined by Canadians and Canadians alone at the voting booth.”

Chief Critic

Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, said his party would “not hesitate to call out” Trudeau and other members of Canada’s Liberal Party after their “last plan to sweep this issue under the rug,” according to Reuters.

Key Background

The latest investigation into possible interference in Canada’s federal elections follows an earlier probe initiated by Trudeau earlier this year. Trudeau appointed David Johnston—who previously served as Canada’s governor general—to lead the investigation into alleged election interference by China in March, following pressure by Canada’s Conservative Party, according to Reuters. Johnson resigned and ended the investigation in June, citing the “highly partisan atmosphere around my appointment and work.” The investigation stemmed from allegations by members of Canada’s Conservative Party. Erin O’Toole, the former leader of the party, said earlier this year that he was told China tried to prevent him from replacing Trudeau, according to the Wall Street Journal. A spokesperson for China’s Embassy in Ottawa said the claims were “unfounded” and suggested China would “never interfere in Canada’s internal affairs.”

Surprising Fact

Global Affairs Canada said in a report that Michael Chong, Canada’s Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, was likely targeted by an online disinformation campaign orchestrated by China. The Canadian government noted that while it was “highly probable” that China was involved in the alleged campaign, “unequivocal proof” of China’s involvement was “not possible.”