A Quebec Judge to Lead National Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Canadian Elections and Society
A national public inquiry will be conducted to investigate allegations of foreign interference from countries such as China and Russia in Canadian elections and society. Marie-Josée Hogue, a puisne judge of the Court of Appeal of Quebec, has been selected to lead the inquiry. This decision comes after former governor general David Johnston resigned from the role due to accusations of bias.
Hogue’s task will be to examine and assess interference by China, Russia, and other foreign states and non-state actors during the 2019 and 2021 general elections at the national and electoral district levels. She will also analyze the flow of information to senior decision makers and elected officials. The inquiry will begin on September 18, and Hogue is expected to present an interim report by February 29, 2024, and a final report in December of the same year.
The appointment of Hogue and the terms of reference for the inquiry have received unanimous approval from all recognized parties in the House of Commons. Hogue will have full access to relevant cabinet documents and other information she deems necessary for the inquiry. She will determine the extent of public hearings and handling of national security information.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized that the issue of foreign interference is a global challenge for democracies, and the inquiry will not solely focus on China but will encompass other countries as well. He mentioned discussions with his counterpart in the UK regarding similar challenges. LeBlanc assured that the inquiry will be comprehensive and not restricted to one particular nation.
Hogue has extensive experience as a judge and a background in corporate commercial litigation, civil litigation, and professional liability. She was appointed as puisne judge in the Quebec appeals court in 2015 and has previously worked in law firms and as a law clerk for the Supreme Court of Canada.
Opposition parties have long been calling for a public inquiry. Initially hesitant, the Liberals appointed Johnston to conduct a probe into the matter. However, when he advised that a public inquiry would be less useful due to national security concerns, the opposition criticized him for alleged bias. Former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole expressed support for Hogue’s appointment and emphasized the need for a non-partisan inquiry.
Foreign interference has been a significant issue in Ottawa, with reports of Chinese meddling and attempts to intimidate politicians. These allegations have strained relations between Canada and China. The federal government confirmed that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) had information regarding China’s intentions to target politicians, including Conservative MP Michael Chong. The controversy led to expulsion of diplomats from both nations.
Given these developments, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that there will be no rapprochement with China at this time. The issue of foreign interference remains a top concern for the Canadian government.
[HTML Tags:
A Quebec Judge to Lead National Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Canadian Elections and Society
]
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
