Canadian appointee rejects inquiry into China election meddling allegations. Trudeau opponents call it a cover-up
- Former governor general David Johnston reviewed allegations of Chinese interference in the 2019 and 2021 Canada elections
- Citing sensitivity of intelligence, he ruled out a public inquiry into the matter as demanded by Canada’s opposition
A Canadian government appointee rejected holding a public inquiry into leaked intelligence that alleged China interfered in Canada’s federal elections, drawing allegations of a cover-up from the Conservative opposition.
Opposition lawmakers have demanded a full public inquiry on the alleged Chinese interference since reports about it earlier this year by the Globe and Mail newspaper.
It cited unidentified intelligence sources that China preferred to see Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals re-elected in the 2021 election and worked to defeat Conservative politicians considered unfriendly to Beijing.
Trudeau appointee David Johnston announced recommendations on Tuesday saying that a public inquiry into the leaked materials could not take place because of the sensitivity of the intelligence.
However, he recommended public hearings on broader issues, including on foreign influence in Canada’s political system.
Johnston wrote that he found no example of Trudeau, his ministers or their offices “knowingly ignoring intelligence, advice or recommendations on foreign interference or being driven by partisan considerations in dealing with these issues”.
