Canadian intelligence agency: China interfered with polls Trudeau’s party won

Canada’s national intelligence agency revealed findings that China interfered in the country’s 2019 and 2021 elections. The Liberals, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, won both elections.

Trudeau established a committee to investigate foreign interference amid concerns from opposition lawmakers about possible Chinese involvement.

According to Reuters, the findings of China’s interference in Canada’s election process come from an official investigation.

At Monday’s meeting, the committee reviewed a presentation slide excerpting a February 2023 briefing from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).

“We know that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) covertly and deceptively interfered in the 2019 and 2021 elections,” the slides read, according to Reuters.

The intervention has been described as strategic and aimed at supporting candidates seen as “pro-China” or “neutral” on issues involving the Chinese government. PRC represents the People’s Republic of China.

China has denied involvement in Canadian politics, although Global News previously reported this assessment.

Opposition accusations

During the 2021 campaign, former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole claimed that Chinese interference could cost the party up to nine seats, although it did not affect the outcome.

“State actors are able to successfully engage in foreign intervention in Canada because there are few legal or political consequences. Therefore, foreign intervention is low risk and high reward,” the Center for Strategic and International Studies assessment said.

Critics, including intelligence analysts and members of the Conservative Party, believe the Trudeau government has not adequately addressed China’s interference.

Trudeau is scheduled to testify before the committee on Wednesday.

During the 2021 campaign, the Conservatives condemned Beijing’s treatment of the Uyghur minority and pledged to ban Huawei from 5G networks.

An NDP MP known for his left-leaning stance described the consequences he faced for criticizing Beijing’s policies, noting a drop in invitations to events hosted by influential Chinese communities.

According to Reuters, there are approximately 1.7 million Chinese people in Canada, accounting for nearly 5% of the total population.

As of the report, the Chinese Embassy has not responded to CSIS’s statement.

In 2023, Canada revealed that a Conservative MP with ties to Hong Kong had been the target of an online disinformation campaign, leading to the suspension of a senior Chinese diplomat.