OTTAWA: Canada’s domestic intelligence agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), has reportedly concluded that China clandestinely interfered in both the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections, according to revelations during an official inquiry on Monday.
The CSIS assessment, revealed in a slide from a February 2023 briefing, highlighted that the interference activities were aimed at supporting individuals perceived as “pro-PRC” (People’s Republic of China) or neutral on issues important to the Chinese government.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party won both 2019 and 2021 polls. The existence of this assessment had been previously reported by Global News, although China has denied any involvement in Canadian politics.
Opposition leader Erin O’Toole, who led the Conservatives during the 2021 campaign, suggested that Chinese interference may have cost his party up to nine seats but acknowledged that it did not alter the election outcome significantly.
The CSIS briefing underscored that foreign interference in Canadian politics carries low risks and high rewards due to minimal legal or political consequences, a concern echoed by intelligence analysts and the Conservative Party.
The inquiry also revealed challenges faced by legislators critical of China’s policies, with a New Democratic Party member noting a decline in invitations to events within the ethnic Chinese community after speaking out against Beijing’s Hong Kong policy.
Canada’s relationship with China has been contentious over Chinese telecommunications firm Huawei’s involvement in Canada’s 5G network.
Trudeau is scheduled to testify before the commission on Wednesday, with ongoing scrutiny over the government’s response to foreign interference in Canadian elections.
