Beijing’s interference in Canada’s elections undermined the right of voters, concludes the Foreign Interference Commissioner’s interim report released on May 3, adding that China is the most serious threat to Canada when it comes to foreign interference.
“Foreign interference is not done by just one country. However, China currently stands out as the most persistent and sophisticated foreign interference threat to Canada,” reads the initial report released on May 3.
The report adds that although the interference didn’t change the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 elections, it may have impacted results in some ridings, and undermined public trust in elections.
“Foreign interference in 2019 and 2021 undermined the right of voters to have an electoral ecosystem free from coercion or covert influence,” wrote Justice Marie-Josée Hogue who is heading the inquiry.
“Globally, China is recognized as using foreign interference as a common tool to advance its own interests and has been assessed by Canadian authorities as the most active foreign state actor engaged in interference directed at government officials, political organizations, candidates for political office, and diaspora communities.”
Foreign Interference
The report identifies China’s United Front Work Department as a key tool of Beijing used to interfere and influence politicians in favour of Beijing. It also says China attempts to influence the Chinese diaspora communities, and target groups in Canada that are persecuted or targeted by China, such as Falun Gong practitioners, Uyghurs, Tibetans, and supporters of Taiwanese independence.
Additionally, the report says that China does not have a preference for any Canadian political party, but rather supports positions that it views as pro-China, “regardless of the political affiliation of a particular candidate.”
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Despite Russia being identified as another country carrying out foreign interference on Western countries, the report says Russia does not see Canada as a priority target. “While Russia had the means to engage in foreign interference in Canadian elections, it appears to lack the intent to do so,” the report says.
The report also says India may have attempted to provide financial support to preferred candidates in the 2021 election, particularly those aligned with the Indian government’s position on the Khalistan independence movement. Iran and Pakistan are also identified in the report as playing lesser roles in foreign interference in Canada.
More to come
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