Foreign nations such as India, Russia, and China have reportedly interfered in Canada’s democratic processes, according to an official investigation. The extensive final report, compiled by Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, head of the Foreign Interference Commission, is the result of 16 months of inquiry, which included testimonies from over 100 witnesses.
The report highlighted numerous instances of attempted political interference, indicating that “disinformation” tactics were widely used across both traditional and social media platforms against Canada and its officials. Hogue stated, “It is true that some foreign states are trying to interfere in our democratic institutions, including electoral processes,” noting the novel methods, the apparent scale, and the public discourse surrounding these issues.
The investigation concentrated on allegations involving China and India, both of which have significant diaspora communities in Canada, emphasizing their direct or indirect influence campaigns. However, it also encompassed activities by Russia, Pakistan, and Iran.
Despite these extensive efforts to disrupt Canada’s electoral framework, the report concluded that there were only a limited number of instances of foreign influence over Canadian parliamentarians, describing the overall phenomenon as marginal and largely ineffective.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has faced criticism for not acting on intelligence warnings regarding foreign state targeting of democracy, media, institutions, and officials in Canada. The inquiry was initiated following media disclosures of foreign interference based on leaked intelligence and complaints from officials about their concerns being overlooked.
Trudeau provided testimony in October and noted that there was a list of Canadian politicians from various parties who were vulnerable to foreign influence. The findings also addressed prior accusations from Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, highlighting that some members may have been aware of foreign interference efforts.
Hogue found no evidence of “traitors in parliament” but indicated that Ottawa often delayed its responses to interference evidence and displayed poor coordination. She characterized the government as “overall a poor communicator” regarding foreign interference matters.
An interim report released last May indicated that China directly intervened in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 elections, positioning it as the most active foreign actor in terms of interference within the country.
photo credit: www.ft.com
