Chief Election Officer Deems Allegations of Irregularities Surrounding Han Dong Nomination as a ‘Factual Situation’
During his testimony before the foreign interference inquiry, Canada’s chief electoral officer referred to the allegations of irregularities surrounding the Liberal nomination in Don Valley North in 2019 as a “fact situation” rather than mere allegations.
Stéphane Perrault, asked to review a summary of his witness interview with the Foreign Interference Commission, requested two modifications concerning the nomination process.
The original summary indicated that Mr. Perrault discussed allegations of irregularities related to voting in the nomination contest with CSIS during the 2019 federal election in Don Valley North, Ontario. However, Mr. Perrault clarified that he had not discussed the matter with CSIS but rather was informed unsolicited by them. He also asked to replace “allegations of irregularities” with “fact situation which could involve foreign interference” to better reflect the situation.
Furthermore, Mr. Perrault emphasized that the term “irregularities” implies a violation of the rules under the act, prompting his request for the change in wording.
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Mr. Perrault advocated for a change in language to better reflect the situation without implying rule violations. He clarified that no action could be taken regarding the “fact situation” in the Don Valley North nomination contest since nomination contests fall outside the scope of the Elections Act.
These reports have prompted the ongoing public inquiry into foreign interference.
Prior to the inquiry, former Special Rapporteur on Foreign Interference David Johnston had investigated the Han Dong nomination allegations and corroborated some of the intelligence.
‘No Rules’
MP Dong resigned from the Liberal caucus in March 2023 following allegations linking him to the Chinese Consulate and interference activities. He has denied the accusations and has filed a defamation lawsuit against Global News. He will testify at the public inquiry.
Mr. Perrault faced questions about the Han Dong case from various parties at the inquiry. He explained that Elections Canada lacks authority over nomination processes, limiting its role to financial audits post-contest. He highlighted the need for regulations in the nomination process and suggested restrictions on political membership purchasing.
Integrity Upheld
Mr. Perrault asserted that, within his mandate and knowledge, there were no integrity issues in the 2019 and 2021 elections. He stated his role is to provide a general assessment of the electoral process’s integrity, confirming compliance with the law.
Democracy Watch has raised concerns about the chief electoral officer’s effectiveness and independence, citing loopholes in Canadian legislation allowing legal foreign interference. They emphasize the lack of monitoring for such activities, hindering interference prevention and assessment.
