Intel Watchdog Suggests inquiring with the RCMP about Members of Parliament working for foreign states.
The chair of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians states that he is unable to disclose the names of MPs collaborating with foreign states, suggesting to seek information from the RCMP instead.
“We have gone as far as we possibly can. We cannot add anything,” said Liberal MP David McGuinty while speaking to reporters in Ottawa on June 5.
Mr. Guinty, leading the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), released a significant report on foreign interference on June 3.
The report compiled by the committee, consisting of selected parliamentarians from various backgrounds, reveals that some MPs “knowingly started assisting foreign state actors shortly after their election.”
Committee members possess security clearances and examined about 4,000 documents for their analysis.
Instances highlighted include the Chinese regime establishing reciprocal relationships with certain MPs, where engagement with Beijing led to the regime “mobilizing its network in the member’s favor.” The report also indicates that some MPs have “actively provided classified information to Indian officials.”
When questioned about revealing further details, Mr. Guinty responded that committee members are bound by the Security of Information Act “for the rest of their lives.”
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“The decision of whether this matter should be investigated further is rightfully in the hands of the RCMP,” he stated. “It is the responsibility of the RCMP to act based on any intelligence or evidence they may possess.”
Mr. McGuinty mentioned that his committee did not assess whether withholding specific MPs’ names would tarnish the reputation of all elected representatives.
“I haven’t delved into that issue, and neither has the committee, but we fulfilled our duty,” he remarked.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland concurred that the RCMP should determine the course of action concerning the report’s content.
“I must emphasize that it is law enforcement that must take the necessary steps and measures,” she informed reporters on June 4. “The enforcement actions should not be politicized.”
Ms. Freeland labeled the issue of MPs collaborating with foreign states as a “serious, serious problem” and indicated that an internal review would be conducted.
The Epoch Times reached out to the RCMP for comment but did not receive a response prior to publication.
While testifying before the Foreign Interference Commission in early April, RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme mentioned that the national police service had not initiated criminal investigations related to foreign interference in the past two elections.
However, Mr. Duheme added that information was received subsequently, and some cases are currently under investigation.
An interim report issued by the commission on May 3 concluded that foreign interference did not impact the overall outcomes of the 2019 and 2021 elections but could have influenced results at the local level.
