“Foreign Interference”

If you ever studied philosophy you’ll be familiar with Plato’s allegory of the cave. The philosopher described people who’ve spent their lives chained in a cave, facing a blank wall. All they know of reality is from shadows projected on the wall created by objects passing in front of a fire behind them.

When it comes to the most alarming type of foreign interference in our politics, Canadians are being put in the same position as those prisoners in Plato’s cave. We’re not allowed to get a direct look at the reality of what’s going on. After all, you know, national security!

Foreign actors are trying to interfere with the Canadian media, and journalists and their bosses need to be aware of it, the chairman of Parliament’s national security committee warned on June 12.

All forms of media, including mainstream media, are being subjected to interference by bad actors, Liberal MP David McGuinty said.

Mr. McGuinty said he can’t divulge specifics because the information is classified.

Each minute of inaction is itself its own scandal. For about a week now, the Canadian public has been aware that individuals believed to have colluded with foreign governments may continue to serve as senators, staffers and/or members of Parliament. And for about a week now, those with the power to do something have done nothing.

Personally I don’t trust Drinky May …

Elizabeth May sees no traitors around her, and at least she read the report

HALIFAX—The more secretive a society gets, the less democratic it becomes.

As The Washington Post’s motto puts it, “Democracy dies in darkness.” Canadian democracy has been weakened this past week by a signal failure of transparency, a dire error of priorities. On an issue of monumental importance, the public was informationally dealt out.

What makes that harder to take is that the Trudeau government never misses an opportunity to take a bow for its openness in governance. The PM talks the talk, but sometimes doesn’t walk the walk.

The foreign interference issue in Canada transcends partisanship as it’s crucial to ensure citizens don’t lose trust in democratic institutions.

A report released by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) was damning as it stated foreign interests have compromised numerous parliamentarians. The seriousness of this issue can’t be overstated. Some people at the highest levels of power in Canada act in the interests of other states and continue to maintain their political roles while citizens don’t know who they are.