Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Pakistan, China and India of meddling in Canada’s electoral process during sworn testimony before a commission investigating alleged foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections.
Trudeau said that while it was ‘unlikely’ Beijing favored any specific party, certain Chinese officials may have shown preferences. Opposition concerns, fueled by media reports, prompted the establishment of the commission, despite China consistently denying involvement.
Erin O’Toole, leader of the primary opposition Conservative party during the 2021 campaign, estimated Chinese interference may have cost his party up to nine seats, though it did not affect the election’s outcome, which saw Trudeau’s Liberal Party emerge victorious in both instances. The commission aims to release an initial report by May 3 and a final report by the end of 2024.
Moreover, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) found evidence of Indian and Pakistani attempts to interfere in Canada’s general elections. India was suspected of engaging in covert activities, potentially utilizing a government proxy agent, while Pakistani officials clandestinely sought to influence Canadian federal politics to further Pakistan’s interests.
CSIS determined that China meddled in the previous two elections, prompting Trudeau to establish the commission to investigate foreign interference, with the Prime Minister himself scheduled to testify before the inquiry panel.
