There has been foreign interference in Canada’s elections, but a public inquiry is not being recommended.
David Johnston released his first report as special rapporteur.
He says at this time, much of the information he used to draft his report is classified.
“The intelligence I’ve reviewed is, and must remain secret,” Johnston told a press conference Tuesday morning.
“As a result, the reality is, any credible public inquiry would not be public at all.”
He points out there are a number of ways there has been foreign influence.
“The common techniques of foreign interference include cyber attacks, online influence campaigns, disinformation, and the exploitation of human relationships. Fortunately, measures put in place by our governments have been largely successful.”
Johnston adds that while there has been foreign influence, it did not affect the outcome of federal elections in 2019 and 2021.
Meantime, the leader of the Conservatives was not surprised at all by Johnston’s report.
Pierre Poilievre said he did exactly what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wanted.
“His ski buddy, cottage neighbor, family friend and member of the Beijing-financed Trudeau Foundation came out and did exactly what I predicted and that is help Trudeau cover up the influence by Beijing in our democracy.”
Poilievre said his party will continue to push the government to create a foreign influence registry.
In a late afternoon news conference, Trudeau downplayed having a close relationship with Johnston.
The prime minister said he supports the report and will follow its recommendations.
Trudeau noted how the Liberal government will always stand up to foreign interference.
“In fact in 2015, we ran on a promise to bring in oversight of our national security agencies by parliamentarians from all parties.”
If they choose to do so, Trudeau added the party leaders could get the necessary security clearances to see the facts supporting the report.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include reaction to David Johnston’s report.
Comments