Former governor general David Johnston says China’s interference in Canadian politics is an “increasing threat to our democratic system” but ruled out a public inquiry on the matter, saying intelligence on Beijing’s activities is highly classified and could never be openly discussed with Canadians.
In a 55-page report tabled Tuesday, Mr. Johnston said he uncovered no proof that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ignored intelligence briefings on Chinese influence operations in the 2019 and 2021 elections, or warnings of attempts by Beijing to intimidate Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong.
“I have not found examples of ministers, the Prime Minister or their offices knowingly ignoring intelligence, advice or recommendations on foreign interference or being driven by partisan considerations in dealing with these issues,” he wrote.
The slimy bastards.
This is an unmitigated disaster. He is explaining at length why it is incumbent upon the public not to question his impartiality, rather than upon him as a public officeholder not to put the public in a position of having to wonder.
— Andrew Coyne 🇺🇦 (@acoyne) May 23, 2023
No public inquiry: David Johnston to instead conduct public hearings on foreign interference
Erin O’Toole says special rapporteur only met with him as report was already being translated – Review was ‘set up to fail’ by Liberals, says former Conservative leader
"A public inquiry examining the leaked materials could not be undertaken in public given the sensitivity of the intelligence," special rapporteur David Johnston says as he recommends holding public hearings instead of a formal inquiry on foreign interference. #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/xYlwjNoRnD
— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) May 23, 2023
