Canada launches probe into allegations of election interference by China and Russia

Move is seen as victory for conservative opposition parties, which have long criticized government for inadequate handling of these allegations

OTTAWA, Canada – The Canadian government has launched a public inquiry into allegations of election interference by China and Russia.

The move is seen as a victory for conservative opposition parties, which have long criticized the government for its perceived inadequate handling of these allegations.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has appointed Quebec Court of Appeal Judge Marie-Josee Hogue to head the inquiry.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc stressed that any form of foreign interference in Canadian democracy would not be tolerated. 

The aim of the inquiry is to investigate not only the interference of China and Russia, but also that of other foreign organizations.

Recent media reports suggest that China has interfered in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 elections.

It has also been alleged that Beijing intimidated Conservative Party member Michael Chong and his family. 

Beijing has denied all allegations, but the situation has further aggravated already strained relations between Canada and China due to various disagreements over human rights, trade, and the detention of citizens.

Earlier, Trudeau appointed former Governor General David Johnston to investigate the allegations of Chinese interference.

Johnston resigned, however, citing a polarized environment, although he had released a draft report that the government had not neglected concerns about foreign interference.

Conservative leaders remained critical and called for a full independent investigation into the matter.

The preliminary findings of the public inquiry are expected in February 2024, with a full report due before the elections expected the following year.