Foreign interference inquiry turns focus to ‘present and the future’ of threats

The next phase of the federal inquiry into foreign interference will shift its focus to potential threats from hostile states in Canada's upcoming elections and explore ways to counter these efforts. Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, who is overseeing the inquiry, stated on Monday that the new hearings will focus on "the present and the future" of foreign interference rather than revisiting the 2019 and 2021 elections or naming parliamentarians suspected of colluding with countries like China, India, or Russia.

“We will be examining the current capacity of government departments and agencies to combat foreign interference, and how their ability to do so has evolved over time,” Hogue said as the inquiry resumed public sessions. She also noted that some issues from the previous hearings would be explored in greater detail during this round.

Despite speculation, Hogue clarified that she will not publicly name any MPs or political figures suspected of participating in foreign interference. She explained that it is not her role to identify individuals and pointed out that the allegations are based on classified information, which cannot be disclosed or made public.

The inquiry was launched after the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) reported in June that some Canadian politicians knowingly worked with foreign governments to influence the country's democratic processes. However, Hogue emphasized that under Canada’s rule of law, individuals have the right to defend themselves against any charges, and classified allegations cannot be disclosed.

A May 2024 Ipsos poll showed that 52% of Canadians believed foreign governments had tried to interfere in recent elections, though 37% felt the allegations were exaggerated. Additionally, 44% expressed confidence that Hogue’s inquiry would uncover the truth.

The inquiry was initiated after Global News published allegations of foreign meddling in the 2019 and 2021 elections. In a preliminary report released in May, Hogue concluded that while there were attempts to influence both elections, the integrity of the results was upheld. However, she noted that several candidates appeared to be open to foreign interference, with links to affiliates of the Chinese government.

Hogue’s report also mentioned concerning incidents, including efforts by Indian government proxies to support candidates in 2021 and a $250,000 transfer linked to Chinese interference operations in 2018-19. While China was found to be the primary actor in these activities, other governments, including India, Iran, and Russia, have also been accused of conducting influence operations in Canada.

The next stage of the inquiry is expected to last a month and will include testimonies from security officials, political staff, and senior figures, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.