Public Hearings on the Interference Inquiry to Resume, along with Work on Alleged MP Collusion Proceeds

The federal inquiry into foreign interference in Canada is set to resume with a comprehensive schedule of public hearings and policy consultations starting mid-September.

Public hearings will take place from September 16 to October 16, during which the commission aims to enhance transparency by rehearing testimony from some witnesses who previously presented during in-camera sessions.

Summaries of the evidence will be released during these public sessions.

This inquiry, launched in response to growing concerns about foreign interference, particularly from China, is investigating influence activities alleged to have occurred during the 2019 and 2021 federal elections, as well as other democratic processes in Canada.

The RCMP has also intensified its investigations into Chinese regime activities in Canada, including the operation of secret police stations and the intimidation of diaspora communities.

The inquiry will also delve into allegations of collusion between parliamentarians and foreign actors, an expansion of its mandate prompted by a June vote in Parliament following the release of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) "Special Report" on foreign interference.

The report raised concerns that some parliamentarians might be "semi-witting or witting" participants in foreign interference activities.

The commission will not assign guilt or responsibility but will instead review the information behind key statements in the NSICOP report.

Following the factual hearings, a week of policy consultations will occur from October 21 to October 25, featuring roundtable discussions with experts on safeguarding federal democratic processes from foreign interference.

Public input has also been solicited, with over 100 submissions currently being analyzed. A final report on foreign interference is expected by the end of the year.