CSIS Intel Suggests Federal Candidates Were Open to Involvement in Foreign Interference
According to intelligence released by the federal government, Chinese regime actors interfered with 11 candidates in the 2019 federal elections, as previously leaked information had suggested. Some of these candidates were aware of the interference.
An intelligence summary presented at the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference on April 4 stated, “Reporting indicated that 11 political candidates and 13 political staff members were assessed to be either implicated in or impacted by this group of threat actors.”
It further mentioned that some candidates were willing to cooperate with foreign interference activities, while others were unaware of such activities due to their clandestine nature.
The threat actors, known or suspected to be linked to Beijing, worked together to advance the People’s Republic of China’s interests through Canadian democratic institutions.
The Public Inquiry is currently focusing on foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections, with summaries of sensitive intelligence being made public.
The intelligence summary from CSIS revealed that seven of the candidates were from the Liberal Party and four were from the Conservative Party.
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The document specified that “implicated” individuals had direct connections to persons of interest involved in Chinese interference, while “impacted” individuals were directly affected by foreign interference.
According to Global News, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was briefed about a Chinese interference network during the 2019 elections.
CSIS reported that China’s Toronto consulate was involved in clandestinely transferring funds to federal election candidates and Beijing operatives. The intelligence assessments suggested that some of the threat actors received financial support from Beijing.
Funds were transferred through various individuals to disguise their origins, including an influential community leader, a staff member of a federal candidate, and an Ontario MPP.
‘Slush Fund’
CSIS Director David Vigneault testified at the inquiry about the Chinese clandestine funds and the 11 federal candidates implicated.
Sujit Choudhry, counsel for NDP MP Jenny Kwan, raised questions about the “slush fund” operated by the Chinese Consulate in Toronto, as reported in the media.
Mr. Vigneault refrained from commenting on classified information and emphasized the importance of not drawing premature conclusions.
CSE had obtained intelligence on the fund distribution but did not disclose further details. Mr. Vigneault reiterated the need to avoid overinterpreting such information.
Directing Media
CSIS’s intelligence summary also mentioned that Beijing threat actors directed Chinese language media outlets to support specific candidates and instructed political staffers to prevent federal candidates from attending certain events.
Chinese officials used “proxy agents” to exclude politicians critical of Beijing from community events in Vancouver, as per another CSIS intelligence summary.
The public inquiry hearings will continue until April 10, with testimonies from Mr. Trudeau and cabinet ministers scheduled. Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue is expected to submit an initial report by May 3.
