China’s Ongoing Interference Poses Top Threat to Canada, Jeopardizing Voters’ Rights: Public Inquiry

According to the interim report from the Foreign Interference Commissioner released on May 3, Beijing’s meddling in Canada’s elections violated the rights of voters. The report highlights China as the most serious threat to Canada in terms of foreign interference.

The initial report stated, “Foreign interference is not limited to a single country, but China currently poses the most persistent and sophisticated threat to Canada.” It further mentions that while the interference didn’t alter the overall election outcomes in 2019 and 2021, it may have influenced results in certain ridings and eroded public trust in the electoral process.

Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, leading the inquiry, commented, “Foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections undermined voters’ right to a coercion-free electoral environment.” The report also highlights China’s widespread use of foreign interference tactics to further its own interests.

Foreign Interference

The report points to China’s United Front Work Department as a key instrument used by Beijing to interfere and influence Canadian politicians favoring Beijing. It also notes China’s efforts to sway Chinese diaspora communities and target persecuted groups in Canada, such as Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, Tibetans, and supporters of Taiwanese independence.

Additionally, the report indicates that China does not align with any specific Canadian political party but supports positions deemed pro-China, regardless of a candidate’s political affiliation.

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Despite Russia being flagged as another country involved in foreign interference activities against Western nations, the report notes that Russia doesn’t consider Canada a primary target. The report states, “While Russia has the capacity for foreign interference in Canadian elections, it seems to lack the inclination to do so.”

It also suggests that India may have tried to support favored candidates financially in the 2021 election, especially those aligned with the Indian government’s stance on the Khalistan independence movement. Iran and Pakistan are mentioned in the report as playing smaller roles in foreign interference in Canada.

Stay tuned for more updates.