Canada should hold hearings on foreign meddling in elections, but should not launch a formal public inquiry into allegations that Chinese diplomats interfered in recent federal campaigns, a watchdog appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
(Bloomberg) — Canada should hold hearings on foreign meddling in elections, but should not launch a formal public inquiry into allegations that Chinese diplomats interfered in recent federal campaigns, a watchdog appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
Former Governor General David Johnston said foreign governments are undoubtedly trying to influence candidates and voters in Canada. However, there is no convincing evidence that Trudeau’s government knowingly failed to act on national security intelligence on the matter, he said.
“The failures I have found relate to substantial gaps in the communication and processing of intelligence information as opposed to the prime minister, ministers or senior officials ignoring intelligence recommendations,” Johnston said in his report, unveiled Tuesday in Ottawa.
Trudeau named Johnston in March to look into election interference amid a steady stream of media reports that alleged China sought to tip the scales against some opposition candidates to help Trudeau’s Liberal Party during the 2019 and 2021 elections.
Johnston was asked to first determine whether a public inquiry was necessary, and to deliver a series of reports on the broader issue through October. His answer on a public inquiry is a definitive no. He said he’s been able to review all the relevant facts over the past two months, including briefings by intelligence officials and access to top secret materials.
A public inquiry would be hindered by the fact that most evidence could not actually be presented in public, due to the sensitivity of national security intelligence, he said.
Speaking to reporters, Johnston said that calling a public inquiry would have been “an easy choice,” but not the correct one.
“The intelligence I have reviewed is, and must remain, secret,” he said. “As a result, the reality is any credible public inquiry could not be public at all.”
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