Interference Inquiry to Shed Light on Alleged Foreign Colluders, But No Names Will Be Released

The Foreign Interference Commission’s public hearings will resume next week, providing Canadians with new details about allegations of collusion between parliamentarians and foreign powers. However, the commission stated in a public notice on Sept. 13 that no names will be disclosed.

The commission explained, “As a result of its obligations to respect national security confidentiality and procedural fairness rules, it cannot make findings that might identify the individuals involved in the allegations.”

Efforts are being made by the commission to release some of its findings to the public.

The commission reviewed the intelligence reports mentioned in the NSICOP publication, along with other relevant information. Senior government and intelligence officials were interviewed behind closed doors, and the commission plans to have these witnesses testify publicly in the upcoming weeks.

After the matter was referred to the Foreign Interference Commission, the pressure to disclose the names subsided.

The commission had previously released an interim report in May and conducted initial public hearings in March and April. Testimonies from various stakeholders and the disclosure of summaries of sensitive intelligence allowed the public to grasp the issue of foreign interference.

The upcoming hearings starting on Sept. 16 will focus on present and future threats of foreign interference in Canada’s democratic processes. The commission aims to assess the country’s ability to counter these threats and identify areas for improvement.

Key witnesses, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, and Liberal Party National Director Azam Ishmael, will testify during the hearings.