RCMP Discovers New Information in Report on MPs Allegedly Working for Foreign States
Amid calls from opposition politicians and the public for more information from an intelligence watchdog report revealing accusations of some MPs working for foreign states, the RCMP has acknowledged that some details in the report were new to them as well.
“Although the RCMP did not receive information regarding all the matters contained in the report, the RCMP was aware of the broad range of work being done by partners,” spokesperson Sgt. Kim Chamberland told The Epoch Times in a statement.
The report states that some MPs have provided confidential information to Indian officials and others have a reciprocal relationship with the Chinese regime.
The RCMP declined to comment on whether they are investigating parliamentarians.
Cabinet ministers and NSICOP Chair Liberal MP David McGuinty have faced pressure to reveal more details, including the names of the MPs allegedly involved.
“The question of whether or not this issue is followed up on is rightly put to the RCMP,” he said. “It is up to the RCMP to decide based on any intelligence or evidence they may have.”
Sgt. Chamberland mentioned that the RCMP is investigating a wide range of foreign interference activities, including those involving democratic institutions.
However, the RCMP will not confirm if there is an active criminal investigation involving any parliamentarians.
Sgt. Chamberland also stated that the RCMP usually does not comment on investigations to avoid interfering with their work.
The fact that the RCMP learned new information from the NSICOP report could be attributed to information-sharing practices among security agencies and the intricate process of converting intelligence into evidence.
CSIS, responsible for countering foreign interference, does not automatically share its reports with the RCMP.
Sgt. Chamberland noted that there are challenges concerning the use of intelligence in criminal investigations.
“The RCMP acknowledges that each organization works on distinct yet complementary mandates and legal regimes,” she stated. “The RCMP and national security partners regularly meet to discuss threats and ensure awareness of each organization’s activities, even if specific details are not always shared.
“Canadians have a right to know who they are and what information is involved,” he emphasized. “Who are they?”
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlance responded that no government would publicly discuss specific intelligence information.
