During the public inquiry into foreign interference, intelligence revealed that Chinese agents actively worked to prevent election candidates critical of Beijing from participating in Vancouver-based community events during the 2019 general election. This assessment was supported by testimony from NDP MP Jenny Kwan.
According to a summary document presented at the Foreign Interference Commission on April 3, intelligence reports suggested that Chinese officials, through proxy agents, orchestrated the exclusion of specific political candidates considered “anti-China” from local community events related to the election.
The inquiry primarily focuses on foreign interference attempts during the 2019 and 2021 elections, with evidence and witness accounts centered around these events. However, the inquiry also explores broader foreign interference events for context.
Jenny Kwan testified about being excluded from a Vancouver event celebrating the Lunar New Year in February 2022. She noted that her office did not receive an invitation to the event, which she attributed to her criticism of Beijing’s human rights record. Similarly, Vancouver’s former mayor, Kennedy Stewart, also did not receive an invitation.
Ms. Kwan highlighted a shift in behavior from Chinese community organizations towards her as she became more vocal about issues such as China’s treatment of the Uighurs and support for pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong. This behavior change included reduced invitations and interactions from certain community leaders.
Additionally, the inquiry heard testimonies from former Conservative leader Erin O’Tool and former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu, who were also targeted by the CCP for their strong stance against the regime. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to testify in the upcoming days.
Following further hearings on government strategies to counter foreign interference, the public inquiry will issue an initial report on its findings by May 3.
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