The public inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian society, particularly beyond elections, has revealed concerning findings. Former top foreign intelligence assessment expert Martin Green highlighted the extent of China's efforts to influence Canada through a sophisticated toolkit involving national security, economic coercion, military pressure, and espionage.
The inquiry also raised questions about the presence of Chinese 'police stations' in Canada and the need to protect diaspora populations from foreign pressure. The federal government plans to warn foreign ambassadors against interfering in the upcoming election, indicating a proactive approach to safeguarding Canada's democratic processes.
Despite concerns raised by Green and others, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's former national security adviser David Morrison did not share a special report on foreign interference with the Prime Minister. The report, completed just before Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Ottawa convoy protest, highlighted the urgency of addressing foreign interference in Canada.
Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue emphasized the unprecedented access granted to the inquiry, including classified information and cabinet documents. This access will aid in developing recommendations to preserve the integrity of Canada's electoral processes and enhance public trust in democracy.
The inquiry was established following reports of Chinese interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. While Hogue's initial findings suggested potential interference in some ridings, she concluded that it did not impact the overall election results.