Trudeau deems it ‘highly unlikely’ Beijing would prefer specific election outcome: Inquiry
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has addressed intelligence indicating that the Chinese regime may have favored the Liberal Party in a previous election.
Testifying before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference on April 10, Mr. Trudeau stated, “While individual officials may have expressed preferences, it is unlikely that the Chinese government itself would have a stake in the election.”
He noted that the 2019 and 2021 elections occurred amid strained relations between Canada and China, with Ottawa seeking international support to pressure Beijing for the release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.
Mr. Trudeau based his testimony on an intelligence summary provided by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).
The summary mentioned that in the 2021 election, there was “reporting that some individual PRC [People’s Republic of China] officials in Canada made comments expressing a preference for a Liberal Party minority government.”
During his appearance at the inquiry, Mr. Trudeau was questioned on various topics related to interference.
Former Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole testified that he believed Chinese interference impacted up to nine ridings in the 2021 election.
A written CSIS briefing from February 2023 to the prime minister highlighted efforts to dissuade Canadians of Chinese descent from voting Conservative, hinting at orchestration by the PRC.
The prime minister admitted he was not aware of these activities in 2021 and only learned of them through media reports brought forward by the Conservatives.
Holding the Inquiry
In response to national security leaks, Mr. Trudeau appointed David Johnston as special rapporteur on foreign interference in March 2023.
Mr. Trudeau was asked to comment on Mr. Johnston’s conclusions in his May 2023 report.
Addressing allegations around Han Dong and the 2019 Liberal nomination race, Mr. Johnston pointed to suspicions of ties with the Chinese consulate in Toronto.
Mr. Trudeau was questioned about irregularities in the nomination contest, to which he responded cautiously, noting uncertainties about the intelligence.
A CSIS intelligence summary released during the inquiry revealed the involvement of PRC officials in hiring buses for international Chinese students to attend Han Dong’s nomination contest.
Commissioner of Canada Elections Caroline Simard confirmed an investigation into the 2019 Don Valley North contest.
Information Flow
The inquiry will delve into the flow of information within the government regarding foreign interference warnings.
Written briefings from CSIS have highlighted Chinese interference in past elections and criticized the government for not adequately countering the threat.
Mr. Trudeau stated that he does not read all intelligence provided orally and through written briefings.
Controversy has arisen over discrepancies in evidence presented, prompting a request for CSIS Director David Vigneault to testify again before the inquiry.
Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue granted the request for Mr. Vigneault to testify on April 12, aiming to submit an interim report by May 3.
