Global Courant
OTTAWA –
David Johnston has submitted his final – and confidential – report on foreign interference to the Prime Minister, ending his controversial term as Special Rapporteur.
Johnston had announced his plans to step down from his position earlier this month because the atmosphere around his work had become too partisan.
The former governor-general was appointed to the position in March as the Liberal government came under increasing pressure to address allegations that China had interfered in the last two federal elections.
Remember when Johnston said he would complete one final report before walking out as reporter? He has now, but it is apparently not shared publicly. From PCO: “The report is a supplement to the confidential appendix.” Instead, we get the cover letter, sent to the Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/eJWrbsP8Bv
— Rachel Aiello (@rachaiello) June 26, 2023
Johnston’s initial report in May concluded that a public inquiry would not be a constructive step forward – angering opposition parties, who accused him of being too close to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
In a press release today, the Independent Special Rapporteur’s office says Johnston Trudeau has sent a “Supplement to the Confidential Annex” to his earlier report, meaning it will not be made public.
Leaders of opposition parties were negotiating terms for a possible public inquiry last week.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on June 26, 2023.
