NDP MP Argues Revealing Parliamentarians Named in Collusion Report Would Discourage Similar Behavior
NDP MP Jenny Kwan is urging for the disclosure of the names of parliamentarians accused of colluding with foreign entities. She believes that this transparency would discourage similar actions and help restore the reputation of all MPs, who she claims are currently facing suspicion.
“I believe we must find a way to disclose which MPs are knowingly, intentionally, wittingly, or semi-wittingly engaging with foreign states or their proxies to undermine Canada’s democratic processes and institutions,” Ms. Kwan stated in the House of Commons on June 18. “I believe this can be done in a way that does not compromise national security.”
Her comments followed a June 3 report by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), which revealed that some parliamentarians were involved in efforts by malign foreign states to interfere in Canadian politics, either semi-wittingly or wittingly.
NSICOP, responsible for overseeing Canada’s national security and intelligence activities, refrained from identifying the allegedly complicit parliamentarians. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, privy to the accused names, cited laws protecting classified information as the reason for non-disclosure.
On June 18, Ms. Kwan raised a point of privilege in the House of Commons, expressing concerns that the revelations of collaboration by parliamentarians, including former members, had cast doubt on all MPs and the House itself, tarnishing their reputations.
Deterrent
Previously, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service warned Ms. Kwan that she was a target of the Chinese government due to her criticism of its human rights abuses.
During her June 18 address, she emphasized the necessity of accountability, suggesting that publicizing the names of involved parliamentarians would dissuade such actions.
“If there are no consequences for MPs who knowingly help foreign governments act against Canadian interests, we will continue to be an easy target,” she asserted.
“Revealing any member of Parliament, former or present, who is a willing participant in foreign interference activities would have the effect of deterring this kind of behaviour. Moreover, it would send a clear message to those foreign states that this cannot continue, and that they will not be able to continue to use parliamentarians in this way.”
Ms. Kwan proposed referring the issue to the House of Commons Procedure and House Affairs Committee for examination. She recommended that committee members undergo security screening to access the unredacted NSICOP report and probe the allegations against parliamentarians, inviting them to testify.
Conservatives have pressed the Liberal administration to unveil the implicated MPs in foreign interference, suggesting that the concealment raises suspicion against all legislators.
Tory Leader Pierre Poilievre declined to obtain clearance to read the classified NSICOP report, stating his reluctance to be restricted in disclosing information to Canadians.
Noé Chartier contributed to this report.
