Former Tory Leader O’Toole Likens Canada’s Situation to a ‘Frog in Hot Water’ Amid China’s Interference

Erin O’Toole, former MP and leader of the Conservative Party, testified before a House of Commons committee on Oct. 26, stating that successive governments in Canada have ignored warnings from intelligence agencies regarding interference by the Chinese regime. He compared Canada’s lack of action to a frog in a pot of boiling water, where the heat gradually increases until it reaches a boiling point. These warnings were disregarded until the issue escalated, particularly with the arbitrary detention of two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, by the Chinese regime. O’Toole further described the targeting of Conservative MP Michael Chong by Beijing and emphasized the significance of being a target of a foreign country. He also highlighted the threats faced by himself and the Conservative Party during the 2021 general election, including a misinformation campaign orchestrated by the Chinese regime and the use of foreign funds to undermine the party. O’Toole criticized the government’s mechanisms for protecting against election interference, specifically mentioning the deficiencies in the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol and the inadequate consultations with the Conservatives during reviews of the protocol. He also expressed disappointment with the work of former special rapporteur on foreign interference, David Johnston, and questioned the curation of intelligence to drive specific outcomes.



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