Canada’s Federal Government Initiates Inquiry into Foreign Election Interference
In response to mounting pressure and allegations of foreign interference in Canadian elections, the Canadian federal government has appointed an appellate court judge to lead a comprehensive inquiry. The inquiry, announced by Federal Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, aims to investigate claims of meddling by foreign nations such as China and Russia, along with other non-state actors. This move comes after months of strained relations between Canada and China due to allegations of interference.
Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, currently serving on the Quebec Court of Appeal, will take the helm of this pivotal inquiry. Her mandate extends beyond examining potential interference from China alone; it encompasses a thorough investigation into Russia and other foreign entities. The inquiry will scrutinize the impact of these alleged interferences on the integrity of national and electoral processes during the 2019 and 2021 elections.
When questioned about the expanded scope, Minister LeBlanc emphasized that Canada faces threats from multiple foreign actors seeking to undermine the nation’s democratic processes. Thus, the inquiry’s focus extends to encompass a broader spectrum of potential interference.
The announcement comes after a protracted search for an official to lead a public inquiry, following the resignation of former Governor General David Johnston. Johnston, who was initially appointed to investigate claims of election interference, stepped down amid accusations of bias towards the ruling Liberal party. He cited the “highly partisan atmosphere” surrounding his appointment as his reason for resigning.
The allegations of foreign interference primarily stem from reports, often based on leaked intelligence, which have appeared in Canadian media over the past few months. These reports have detailed claims of Chinese meddling in Canada’s last two federal elections. Notably, China has vehemently denied any involvement in such activities. While any meddling is not believed to have altered the election outcomes, the Trudeau government has faced allegations of disregarding early warnings from officials.
Minister LeBlanc emphasized that Justice Hogue’s appointment had garnered support from all opposition parties. He stated, “Justice Hogue will have full access to all relevant cabinet documents, as well as any other information she deems pertinent to her inquiry.”
Tensions between Canada and China escalated in May when China expelled Canada’s consul in Shanghai as a retaliatory measure following Ottawa’s decision to send home a Chinese diplomat accused of attempting to intimidate a Canadian member of parliament critical of China’s human rights record.
In a recent interview with Bloomberg during his tour of Asia, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the challenges in Canada’s relationship with China. He described the current bilateral relationship as “stable” but acknowledged “a challenging few years.” Trudeau emphasized that China’s status as one of the world’s most important economies necessitates engagement rather than isolation.
Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, appointed to the Quebec Court of Appeal in June 2015, previously specialized in corporate commercial litigation, civil litigation, and professional liability during her tenure as a partner at a law firm, as per the court’s official website.
