Canada's foreign-interference commission to address foreign meddling in politics

The final report from Canada's foreign-interference commission, to be released Tuesday, is set to lay out how Ottawa and its security and electoral agencies can better protect the country's political system from foreign meddling.

All eyes will be on what Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, the commissioner, says about federal politicians suspected of working for hostile powers.

The House of Commons asked the public inquiry to investigate a June 2024 report by an intelligence watchdog that said some parliamentarians are "semi-witting or witting" participants of efforts by foreign states to interfere in Canadian politics.

The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) said it has read "troubling intelligence" indicating that some federal politicians accepted funds from foreign governments or leaked classified information to foreign-intelligence officers or provided privileged information to foreign diplomats about fellow parliamentarians.

Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong expressed hope that Justice Hogue will recommend releasing the names of parliamentarians who colluded with foreign powers against Canada's interests. "Canadians deserve to know before the next election so they can make an informed choice at the ballot box," Mr. Chong stated.

Justice Hogue and her public inquiry team have access to all secret information regarding these alleged activities, although the Inquiries Act prevents her from publicly naming politicians suspected of participating in foreign interference.

While she has promised to address the allegations in the classified version of her final report, Justice Hogue assured Canadians they would not be left completely in the dark about what transpired.

NSICOP's conclusion contrasts with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's assertion that the all-party committee overreached in its conclusions. Mr. Trudeau testified that he had not seen evidence of any MP committing treason.

Former national-security analyst and Carleton University professor Stephanie Carvin remarked that clarification is needed on the differing narratives between NSICOP and the government's stance. "Canadians deserve some kind of clarification or answer as to what the truth of the matter is," she said.

In the government's submission to the inquiry, it was noted that Mr. Trudeau's national-security and intelligence adviser, Nathalie Drouin, also testified she did not see evidence of any MP undertaking espionage or sabotage activities.

The Centre for International Governance Innovation stated that the commission's report "must produce a compelling factual, evidence-based analysis" of the allegations, accompanied by an assessment of Parliament's vulnerabilities to future foreign interference campaigns.

It remains uncertain what Justice Hogue will say about allegations made by Mr. Trudeau regarding Conservative Party politicians' involvement in foreign interference. He later acknowledged that members of other political parties were also compromised.

The inquiry is expected to focus on protecting elections and countering disinformation and harassment of diaspora communities. Justice Hogue noted that the public input provided invaluable information on how foreign interference has affected individuals in Canada.

During the inquiry, Commissioner of Canada Elections, Caroline Simard, stated that investigators lack the power to lay charges if an individual elector faces intimidation. Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault recommended legislative changes to protect the voting process from disinformation and foreign adversaries.

Of the 22 proposals presented by Mr. Perrault, Elections Canada emphasized the need for legal authority to prevent false information from being spread during elections and reiterated that third-party funding must come solely from Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

It is unlikely many of these recommendations, if accepted by Justice Hogue, can be implemented before potential elections, as the three major parties indicated intentions to defeat the minority Liberal government shortly after Parliament resumes.

The inquiry's summer sessions previously addressed foreign meddling in the 2019 and 2021 elections, where it was concluded that foreign interference, predominantly from China, may have affected results in a small number of ridings.

Furthermore, the inquiry will consider testimony alleging that China and India seek to influence diaspora communities and elect MPs sympathetic to their interests through illicit funding and disinformation.

Notably, concerns over allegations linking Indian government officials to violent acts in Canada were also highlighted. Additionally, the inquiry noted previous attempts by Iran to target critics.

Various representatives urged for enhanced government measures to educate diaspora communities on reporting foreign interference incidents, stressing the importance of awareness campaigns.

In conclusion, the inquiry's final report is anticipated to recommend a range of measures to safeguard democratic processes, including regular national security outlook reports and necessary interventions to curb foreign influence.