Federal Official Calls for Review of Lengthy Timeline for Firing Scientists at Winnipeg Lab
The government’s decision to dismiss two scientists from Canada’s top-security lab in Winnipeg due to their undisclosed ties to China is under review, as stated by the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister in her testimony before MPs.
Nathalie Drouin, who also serves as deputy Privy Council clerk, emphasized the importance of examining the timeline for the dismissal of scientists Xiangguo Qiu and Keding Cheng. The couple was initially placed on leave in July 2019 and officially terminated on Jan. 20, 2021.
Concerns regarding the couple’s research ties to China were raised back in August 2018 by CSIS and NML. Declassified documents revealed security issues related to Ms. Qiu’s patent in China and their involvement in Beijing’s talent recruitment programs.
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The National Security Management Division, responsible for security at the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada, hired a security firm to investigate the couple in December 2018, leading to their eventual dismissal in 2021. During this time, Ms. Qiu facilitated the transfer of virus strains to China.
CSIS Director, David Vigneault, defended the agency’s handling of intelligence production in this case, emphasizing the effectiveness and timeliness of their actions.
Mr. Vigneault refrained from commenting on reports of the couple’s departure from Canada, stating CSIS’s limited authority in law enforcement matters.
Omid Ghoreishi and Noé Chartier contributed to this report.
