The Foreign Interference Commission has announced that it will be conducting a review on the issue of parliamentarians colluding with foreign actors.
On June 11, all but two MPs voted in favor of a motion initiated by the Bloc Québécois, requesting the commission to broaden its mandate to investigate foreign collusion involving parliamentarians.
The NSICOP report revealed concerning intelligence indicating that some Parliamentarians are knowingly or unknowingly participating in foreign states’ efforts to interfere in Canadian politics.
Commissioner Hogue assured that the review will adhere to the commission’s existing terms of reference and operate in accordance with the rules and principles of an independent commission.
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“These rules and principles include the obligation to respect the principles of procedural fairness and the fundamental rights of any person affected by its work, in compliance with the rule of law,” she explained.
Recently, Conservatives have urged the government to disclose the names of MPs involved in collusion to ensure transparency for voters in the upcoming election.
However, Cabinet ministers have argued that revealing this information would be irresponsible and a violation of secrecy laws. They have also suggested that Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre should obtain a security clearance to access the classified report.
Two other party leaders with security clearances reviewed the classified report and provided differing interpretations.
Ms. May and her colleague Mike Morrice were the only MPs who opposed the Bloc motion to expand the commission’s mandate.
Both Ms. May and Mr. Singh have confirmed that no MPs from their parties were mentioned in the report. When asked if any Liberal MPs were implicated, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau deferred to Mr. Singh and Ms. May, as he had received the unredacted NSICOP report in March.
The matter will now be investigated by the Foreign Interference Commission, which has access to the same reports consulted by NSICOP.
Following a review of intelligence findings and public hearings earlier this year, the commission determined that foreign interference occurred in the last two elections. While this did not alter the government formation, certain ridings may have been affected, according to the commission.
After presenting its interim report in early May, the commission has commenced the next phase of its mandate, focusing on evaluating the government’s ability to counter foreign interference. Public consultations have been ongoing since May 22.
The commission is committed to delivering a final report by the end of the year to enable the government to implement any necessary measures to safeguard election integrity before the upcoming federal general election, scheduled no later than October 20, 2025.
This report includes contributions from Matthew Horwood.
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