Appointment of ‘Heads of Government’ in Canada Vulnerable to Foreign Interference: MP Chong

Canadian MP Chong Warns of Foreign Interference in Appointment of Government Leaders

April 4, 2024 TruthUSA

According to Conservative MP Michael Chong, loose party membership and nomination criteria in Canada make the country vulnerable to foreign interference, potentially affecting the selection of prime ministers and government heads.

During the public inquiry into foreign interference on April 3, Mr. Chong expressed his concerns about the implications of allowing foreign interference in the appointment of heads of government in Canada.

The focus of the public inquiry is on China’s alleged interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections, but Mr. Chong highlighted that lax membership criteria in major parties like the Conservatives and Liberals make local party nominations susceptible to foreign interference.

Mr. Chong emphasized the potential risks associated with the minimal membership fees required by both parties.

In 2016, the Liberal Party changed its constitution to allow free registration for individuals aged 14 or older who ordinarily live in Canada. Registered Liberals are entitled to vote in leadership contests and their respective electoral districts.

In contrast, the Conservatives mandate an annual $15 donation for membership, limiting participation to citizens and permanent residents in nomination contests.

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Mr. Chong expressed worry that these party membership vulnerabilities could lead to foreign influence affecting the prime ministership.

He highlighted a scenario where a Prime Minister resigns, and the subsequent election for a new leader is compromised by foreign actors, potentially resulting in the appointment of a Prime Minister without a seat in the House of Commons.

Mr. Chong cited the example of Jim Prentice, who became Alberta premier without being elected to the Legislative Assembly, to illustrate his concerns about party leadership vulnerability.

Mr. Chong’s concerns align with findings from a recent study that identified vulnerabilities in party membership across major parties susceptible to foreign interference.

The study “Beyond General Elections,” published by Sage Journals, highlighted how foreign actors could influence the selection process of party leadership and potentially impact the prime ministership through unverified party memberships.

Mr. Chong, identified as a target of Beijing’s interference by CSIS, testified that the Conservative Party faced foreign interference from the Chinese regime in the 2021 election.

Instances of Beijing’s meddling have also been reported in provincial and municipal elections.

Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West revealed attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to recruit a candidate against him in the municipal election. B.C. Premier David Eby also discussed allegations of Chinese interference in a Vancouver election.

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