OTTAWA, Jan 28 (Reuters) - A comprehensive investigation has found instances of foreign interference attempting to influence the outcome of Canadian elections, particularly from China and India, yet it concluded the electoral results remained unaffected. Released today, the final report of the Public Inquiry, led by Commissioner Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, emphasized Canadian institutions’ resilience against such attempts, even as the investigation revealed significant concerns about governmental responses and communication.
The inquiry began in September 2023 following reports of possible foreign meddling during the 2019 and 2021 elections won by the ruling Liberal Party. While no evidence suggested the actual results of these elections were shifted, the report reiterated findings from its interim update last May, indicating the erosion of public trust due to perceptions of interference.
China dismissed the allegations as "groundless accusations and smears," asserting its commitment to non-interference, as stated by its embassy in Ottawa. Meanwhile, India rejected the claims and accused Canada of meddling within its own affairs.
According to the inquiry, the Liberal government, which implements measures to counter foreign influences, faced criticism for its slow response times and inadequate coordination among its departments. The commission noted, "The government has been a poor communicator both about the extent of foreign interference... and the means it has deployed to combat it." These shortcomings could undermine public confidence as the nation approaches new elections.
Speaking at the report's release, Commissioner Hogue stated, "Canada's democratic institutions have held up well and remained strong in the face of attempted foreign interference." She also highlighted the urgency of tackling disinformation as one of the greatest threats to Canada's democracy.
Investigations revealed China to be the most active perpetrator of foreign interference, with Canada identified as a high-priority target for its operations. India was noted as the second most aggressive country attempting to engage with Canadian electoral processes, primarily through disinformation campaigns and pressures on the diaspora community.
Hogue’s report encompasses over 51 recommendations aimed at safeguarding future elections, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced communication strategies with the public. Among them, the government needs to improve transparency about foreign threats and bolster public awareness of the risks posed by disinformation.
The inquiry's findings arrive at a pivotal moment; just weeks before the Liberal Party is set to elect new leadership following the announcement of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation. Polls indicate rising support for the Conservative Party, which has criticized Trudeau for allegedly downplaying the issue of foreign interference.
Past actions from foreign governments rallied considerable attention, including the expulsion of a Chinese diplomat accused of intimidating lawmakers advocating for the Uyghur Muslim minority, reflecting broader suspicions surrounding foreign meddling. Despite the inquiry's findings affirming election integrity, the public discourse continues to reflect concerns about the underlying influences and pressures from abroad.
Hogue noted, "While states’ attempts are troubling, the phenomenon remains marginal and largely ineffective," alluding to the nature of foreign interference attempts and dismissing the notion of widespread collusion among Canadian lawmakers.
The inquiry included testimonies from over 100 witnesses and examined tens of thousands of documents, consolidatively presenting evidence of foreign attempts to meddle without tangible success. "Democracies are under attack from all sides," Hogue asserted, emphasizing the importance of fortifying democratic processes against such threats.
Political leaders, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, responded to the allegations made against lawmakers, especially statements from Trudeau highlighting suspicions of parliamentarians being involved with foreign entities. Poilievre critiqued Trudeau for not providing concrete evidence surrounding these claims, marking the tiered political ramifications of the report.
With the upcoming federal election looming — required by October 20, 2025 — the urgency for political parties and the government to address these findings is palpable. The inquiry highlights proactive measures to reinstate public trust and reinforce safeguards against foreign interference as integral to the upcoming electoral processes.
Canada’s elections have proven steadfast, with Commissioner Hogue's report underscoring both the challenges faced and the integrity upheld within its democratic structure. Continued vigilance and adaptation will be key as the nation navigates the complex realities of global interferences, ensuring democratic resilience remains intact.