Commission to Review Parliamentarians’ Foreign Collusion
The Foreign Interference Commission announces its plan to investigate the issue of parliamentarians colluding with foreign actors.
In a notice released on June 17, Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue stated that the inquiry would review the evidence, including classified information, following a recent vote in the House of Commons.
All but two MPs on June 11 voted in favor of a motion initiated by the Bloc Québécois, which requested the commission to expand its mandate for reviewing foreign collusion involving parliamentarians.
The motion was proposed following the public release on June 3 of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) “Special Report“ on foreign interference.
The committee presented disturbing intelligence suggesting that some Parliamentarians are knowingly or unknowingly involved in the efforts of foreign states to interfere in Canadian politics.
Ms. Hogue assured that the review will adhere to the commission’s current terms of reference, following the rules and principles of an independent commission.
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These principles include upholding procedural fairness and the fundamental rights of all individuals affected by the investigation, in accordance with the rule of law,” she elaborated.
Conservatives have urged the government to release the names of colluding MPs to inform voters ahead of the upcoming election.
Cabinet ministers argue that disclosing this information would violate secrecy laws and be deemed “irresponsible.” They recommend Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre obtains a security clearance to access the classified report.
Two other party leaders, who have security clearances, reviewed the classified report last week and presented contrasting interpretations.
Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May expressed relief after reading the report. She stated, “I have no concerns about any MPs in the House of Commons,” adding that some MPs “might be compromised.”
Ms. May and her colleague Mike Morrice were the only two MPs to oppose the Bloc motion calling for an expansion of the commission’s mandate.
Meanwhile, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh stated he was “deeply concerned” after reading the NSICOP report. Mr. Singh asserted that some parliamentarians are “traitors to the country.”
Both Ms. May and Mr. Singh confirmed that no MPs from their caucuses were named in the report. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was questioned on June 15 if any Liberal MPs were referenced.
“I will let Mr. Singh and Ms. May speak for themselves,” he replied. Mr. Trudeau received the unredacted NSICOP report in March.
The matter will now be scrutinized by the Foreign Interference Commission, which has access to the same reports consulted by NSICOP.
Following a review of intelligence data and public hearings earlier this year, the commission found evidence of foreign interference in the last two elections. Although this did not alter the government formation, a “few” ridings might have been affected, according to the commission.
Since submitting its interim report in early May, the commission has proceeded to the next phase of its mandate, focusing on evaluating the government’s ability to counter foreign interference. Public consultations have been ongoing since May 22.
The commission is committed to delivering a final report by the end of the year.
Ms. Hogue noted, “The deadline has been set to enable the government to implement necessary measures to safeguard election integrity before the next federal general election, mandated to be held no later than October 20, 2025.”
Matthew Horwood contributed to this report.
