Elections Commissioner Reports Allegations of Han Dong’s Nomination and Beijing’s Funding of Candidate Under Investigation
The Canadian Elections Act investigative body is currently looking into allegations of Chinese interference in the 2019 elections, specifically regarding the nomination of Han Dong for the Liberal Party.
Commissioner of Canada Elections Caroline Simard shared this information during her appearance at the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference on March 28. She initiated a review in March 2023 but couldn’t disclose further details due to concerns about presumption of innocence, privacy, and investigative techniques.
Simard highlighted the unique and partisan environment in which her office operates, emphasizing the importance of not being manipulated to fuel partisanship.
A document from the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections summarizing the probe was presented at the inquiry based on reporting from Global News.
One allegation involves the Chinese consulate transferring around $250,000 through a Toronto-based businessman and a pro-Beijing community group to support a federal candidate in the 2019 election.
Another allegation under investigation pertains to Chinese interference in the nomination process by allegedly bussing in Chinese students with fake addresses to vote for Han Dong.
The investigation focuses on potential breaches of the Elections Act related to political contributions by non-citizens and concealing the source of a contribution.
Despite the allegations, Han Dong denied any involvement in Chinese meddling in his nomination process and has vowed to defend his innocence against defamatory claims.
The public inquiry’s second phase of hearings is ongoing, with party representatives and officials, including Prime Minister Trudeau, scheduled to testify.
The inquiry was initiated following national security leaks showing Chinese interference and government inaction.
Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault testified about irregularities in the 2019 Liberal nomination contest in Don Valley North, which he was made aware of by CSIS. However, he clarified that no action could be taken since nomination contests are outside the jurisdiction of the Elections Act.
