TORONTO: A Canadian government appointee on Tuesday rejected holding a public inquiry into leaked intelligence that alleged China interfered in Canada’s federal elections, drawing allegations of a cover-up from the Conservative opposition.
Opposition lawmakers have demanded a full public inquiry on the alleged Chinese interference since reports about it earlier this year by the Globe and Mail newspaper. It cited unidentified intelligence sources that China preferred to see PM Justin Trudeau‘s Liberals re-elected in the 2021 election and worked to defeat Conservative politicians considered unfriendly to Beijing.
Trudeau appointee David Johnston announced recommendations on Tuesday saying that a public inquiry into the leaked materials could not take place because of the sensitivity of the intelligence. However, he recommended public hearings on broader issues, including on foreign influence in Canada’s political system. Johnston wrote that he found no example of Trudeau, his ministers or their offices “knowingly ignoring intelligence, advice or recommendations on foreign interference or being driven by partisan considerations in dealing with these issues.” Trudeau said he would abide by Johnston’s recommendation to not hold a public inquiry.
Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre slammed Johnston’s recommendation, saying that it covers up Beijing’s influence in Canada. He also alleged Johnston was compromised because he has family ties with Trudeau. Trudeau appointed Johnston, a family friend and a widely respected former governor general, to study the issue in March and make recommendations.
Opposition lawmakers have demanded a full public inquiry on the alleged Chinese interference since reports about it earlier this year by the Globe and Mail newspaper. It cited unidentified intelligence sources that China preferred to see PM Justin Trudeau‘s Liberals re-elected in the 2021 election and worked to defeat Conservative politicians considered unfriendly to Beijing.
Trudeau appointee David Johnston announced recommendations on Tuesday saying that a public inquiry into the leaked materials could not take place because of the sensitivity of the intelligence. However, he recommended public hearings on broader issues, including on foreign influence in Canada’s political system. Johnston wrote that he found no example of Trudeau, his ministers or their offices “knowingly ignoring intelligence, advice or recommendations on foreign interference or being driven by partisan considerations in dealing with these issues.” Trudeau said he would abide by Johnston’s recommendation to not hold a public inquiry.
Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre slammed Johnston’s recommendation, saying that it covers up Beijing’s influence in Canada. He also alleged Johnston was compromised because he has family ties with Trudeau. Trudeau appointed Johnston, a family friend and a widely respected former governor general, to study the issue in March and make recommendations.