Canada launches public inquiry into alleged election meddling by China, in about-face for government

Quebec Court of Appeal judge Marie-Josee Hogue appointed to lead the investigation into allegations of foreign interference in Canadian affairs

Announcement comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticises China for making bilateral engagement ‘more difficult’

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Canada’s Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc. Photo: Canadian Press via AP

Published: 2:17am, 8 Sep 2023Updated: 7:05pm, 8 Sep 2023

Months after the close of a special government investigation into claims of Chinese electoral meddling and hours after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticised Beijing for hindering engagement, Canada announced the launch of a public inquiry into alleged foreign interference in its democratic institutions.

The government will appoint Marie-Josee Hogue, a judge on the Court of Appeal of Quebec, to lead the inquiry.

“Justice Hogue will be tasked with examining and assessing interference by China, Russia and other foreign states and non-state actors, including any potential impacts to confirm the integrity of, and impact on, the 2019 and 2021 general elections at the national and the electoral district levels,” Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said on Thursday.

Hogue’s selection as the commissioner and the terms of reference for the investigation were agreed to by all the opposition parties in parliament, LeBlanc added.

The announcement comes after months of urging by Canadian opposition parties, following a probe into foreign interference led by former governor-general David Johnston that was criticised for being rushed and lacking transparency.