Trudeau Designates Himself As Minister To Handle Inquiry On Chinese Interference

The Canadian government, through Order P.C. 2023-883 dated September 7, 2023, has officially designated the inquiry on China’s possible interference with Canadian elections. The order sets the motion of the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions as a department under the Financial Administration Act.

The catch: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been appointed as the appropriate minister for this commission.

This move has raised eyebrows, as Trudeau has designated himself as the Governing Minister of the inquiry, thereby giving him authority over every aspect of the investigation into alleged foreign interference in federal electoral processes.

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Notably, the Prime Minister’s control extends to financial matters related to the inquiry. As observers put it, Trudeau holds sway over the finances of the inquiry, determining who gets to testify and the costs associated with it. This financial control has led to concerns, particularly as some witnesses are reportedly requesting payments for their testimony.

This development comes on the heels of the Conservative Party expressing dissatisfaction with the denial of full standing at the upcoming foreign interference inquiry. Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, the appointed commissioner for the inquiry, ruled that the Conservatives would only have lower-level intervener status, limiting their involvement in cross-examining witnesses and accessing all evidence.

Sebastian Skamski, a spokesperson for Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, voiced disappointment over the decision, stating, “The decision by Justice Hogue to deny full standing to the Conservative Party in the public inquiry is deeply concerning and undermines the credibility of the entire process.”

The inquiry commissioner granted full standing to various entities, including the government, the commissioner of elections, several diaspora groups, former Liberal MP Han Dong, and former Ontario MPP Michael Chan. Both Dong and Chan have faced allegations of involvement in Chinese foreign interference, with legal actions initiated against media outlets reporting such allegations.

Justice Hogue defended her decision by stating that Dong and Chan deserved standing due to the direct attacks on their character and reputation. She also granted standing to the government, emphasizing its responsibility in implementing any recommendations arising from the inquiry.

Despite concerns about potential bias, Hogue cautioned both the Conservatives and the NDP against turning the public inquiry into a political debate. She urged all parties to participate with the sole purpose of assisting the Commission without partisan motives.

The NDP, along with former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, was also denied full standing, prompting O’Toole to express understanding for the decisions regarding Dong and Chan but asserting that MPs, including himself, were direct targets of interference.

The public hearings, set to begin in early 2024, aim to conduct a fact-finding exercise to determine events during the 2021 and 2019 campaigns, followed by hearings in the fall on policy issues.

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