Public Safety Minister Disapproves Liberal MP’s Criticism of RCMP’s Investigation Into Chinese Interference
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc believes that it was inappropriate for a Liberal colleague to criticize the ongoing RCMP investigation into organizations suspected of operating as secret Chinese police stations in the Montreal area.
“It’s not the right time for MPs from any party to comment on investigations while they are ongoing,” stated Mr. LeBlanc during his testimony at the House of Commons public safety committee on March 21.
During the committee meeting, Mr. LeBlanc was questioned about statements made by Liberal MP Alexandra Mendès, who also serves as deputy speaker of the House. In February, Ms. Mendès hosted a Liberal Party event in her riding attended by Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Brossard City Councillor Xixi Li.
Ms. Li also serves as director of two Montreal-area community organizations, Chinese Family Services of Greater Montreal (SFCGM) and Centre Sino-Québec de la Rive-Sud (CSQRS), currently under RCMP investigation for alleged ties to Chinese police stations.
“I would like [the RCMP] to wrap it up. If they have a case against the organizations, they should demonstrate it or else stop piling onto them,” Ms. Mendès reportedly said to the Journal de Montréal. She also expressed her full support for Ms. Li.
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Bloc Québécois MP Kristina Michaud raised concerns to Mr. LeBlanc about comments made by Ms. Mendès and expressed surprise at her actions. “How can MPs from your government interfere in RCMP investigations?” Mr. LeBlanc echoed her sentiments by acknowledging the delicacy of ongoing investigations.
Mr. LeBlanc emphasized that discussing specifics of an investigation could hinder the work of the RCMP and is not productive. He also highlighted the inappropriate nature of activities targeting the Chinese diaspora, such as illegal police stations linked to the Chinese regime.
The RCMP’s C Division in Montreal, leading the investigation, declined to provide comments. “Our criminal investigation is proceeding as scheduled,” stated Sgt. Charles Poirier to The Epoch Times.
On the other hand, Mr. Champagne’s office stated that he was unaware of Ms. Li’s presence at the event. His press secretary, Audrey Champoux, mentioned the importance of event organizers vetting participants when the minister is involved.
Ms. Li and her organizations initiated a defamation lawsuit against the RCMP in March, seeking $4.9 million in damages. RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme confirmed that the investigation is based on credible information.
In a report by the Toronto Star, it was found that an intake form on one of Ms. Li’s organization’s websites shared the name and logo of the Overseas Chinese Service Centre program, operated by the United Front Work Department of Beijing. The website later removed the form, which contained a QR code for the QiaoBao app by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office.
The Epoch Times reached out to Ms. Mendès and Ms. Li for comments but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
Other instances of suspected Chinese police stations have been discovered in Canada, with the RCMP taking visible actions by stationing officers nearby. The government has confirmed that these stations are no longer operational.
The issue of foreign interference, particularly from Beijing, is under scrutiny by a public inquiry. The inquiry, initiated in response to national security leaks, will soon commence hearings on election interference.
