Global Courant 2023-05-24 04:12:23
A Special Rapporteur’s report has been met with anger from Canadian conservatives who are calling for a public inquiry.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government did not ignore evidence of Chinese meddling, a special rapporteur said Tuesday after sifting through media reports based on leaked intelligence that said Beijing was trying to influence elections and policy.
Trudeau welcomed the report, but opposition parties continued to push for a public inquiry.
In March, the government appointed David Johnston, the former governor-general of Canada, as a special rapporteur to investigate media coverage of intelligence reports alleging multiple instances of Chinese interference. Johnston was also tasked with advising on whether or not to conduct an official public inquiry.
“I have found no instances where the government knowingly ignores information, advice or recommendations about foreign interference, or makes decisions based on partisan considerations in dealing with these issues,” Johnston said in a 55-page report.
China has repeatedly denied any interference. Beijing’s embassy in Ottawa again denied interference on Tuesday, and a spokesman said the leaks were part of a campaign “to smear China”.
The Independent Special Rapporteur, The Right Honorable David Johnston, has issued his first report. We will take the necessary steps to implement his recommendations – and we will continue to take action to strengthen and protect our democracy. More here:
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 23, 2023
Johnston had access to classified memos and conducted interviews with the prime minister, other cabinet members and top intelligence officials. He found that many of the leaks were based on “limited and partial intelligence” or even false information.
“However, there are significant administrative shortcomings in the way intelligence is communicated by security agencies to the various government departments,” he added.
The prime minister has come under pressure from opposition parties in parliament to open a public inquiry into foreign election interference. But when Johnston advised against it in Tuesday’s report, Trudeau said he would follow his advice.
A public inquiry “would prolong but not improve the process,” the report said. It explained that most of the judicial investigation would necessarily be classified due to the classified nature of the information.
Johnston urged opposition leaders to be allowed to read the classified parts of his report, but if they do they would be legally bound not to speak about those details publicly.
“I will not be silenced,” said conservative leader Pierre Poilièvre. “This report has been manipulated from the start and has no credibility whatsoever.” Poilièvre accused Johnston of being a friend of the Trudeau family, which Johnston denies.
Conservatives claimed that Trudeau ignored the intelligence reports because the interference benefited his Liberal party in elections. Members of the left-wing New Democrats, who support Trudeau’s minority government in parliament, also want a judicial inquiry.
“We remain determined that a public inquiry is needed to restore confidence in our electoral system,” New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh told reporters.
Earlier this month, the Trudeau administration expelled a Chinese official after it emerged he sought information on the family of conservative lawmaker Michael Chong, leading to the Chinese expulsion of a Canadian diplomat.
In lieu of a new public inquiry, Johnston said he will hold public hearings on the issue over the next five months because “foreign governments are undoubtedly trying to influence candidates and voters in Canada.”
