Parties Agree Action Required for Foreign Collusion, Yet Differ in Their Approaches
Following the disclosure of information regarding lawmakers colluding with foreign actors, all political parties have called for action, each in their unique way.
The Conservatives are advocating for the disclosure of colluders’ names. Meanwhile, the NDP has expressed intentions to expel MPs from its caucus upon discovering collusion. The Bloc Québécois has introduced a motion to refer the issue to the Foreign Interference Commission.
Regarding the pressure on the governing Liberals, they have suggested an internal party review, stating that releasing names would be illegal and irresponsible. However, they have supported the Bloc’s motion.
During the vote on June 11, all major parties followed suit except for one holdout with a distinct viewpoint.
Elizabeth May, Co-Leader of the Green Party, changed her stance on supporting the Bloc’s motion after reviewing the unredacted intel watchdog’s report. Another Green Party member, Mike Morrice, also voted against the motion.
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The committee has reported the existence of “troubling intelligence” indicating that some parliamentarians have been involved in foreign states’ efforts to interfere in Canadian politics. Despite this warning, Elizabeth May stated that she has no concerns about any House of Commons members.
She clarified that there is no definitive list of disloyal MPs to Canada, but she suspects a few individuals may be compromised. According to May, some MPs have benefitted from foreign governments’ involvment in nomination contests.
Battle Over Names
The Conservatives are urging the Liberal government to reveal the names of colluding parliamentarians, asserting that the lack of disclosure raises suspicion on all lawmakers. On the contrary, the Liberals argue that releasing the names would violate secrecy laws. They, however, endorse a public inquiry into foreign interference to review the matter.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized that the appropriate platform for scrutinizing these concerns is the existing commission tasked with investigating foreign interference. He disclosed ongoing discussions between the commission and the Privy Council Office.
Addressing the issue during question period, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh vowed to expel any caucus member involved in undermining Canada by collaborating with a foreign government. Singh has also sought access to the unredacted NSICOP report.
Furthermore, security clearance holders are required to maintain lifelong secrecy, as highlighted by NSICOP Chair David McGuinty when pressed for more information on colluding parliamentarians. He suggested directing inquiries about such individuals to the RCMP.
Matthew Horwood contributed to this report.
