According to Canada’s spy agency, the Chinese government covertly interfered in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. A top secret briefing note discussed at the Foreign Interference Commission revealed that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) informed the Prime Minister’s Office about this in February 2023.
The document, described as “remarkable” by a lawyer at the commission’s public inquiry, has not been fully released. Incomplete screen shots were shared during the hearing.
It seems to be a briefing for the Prime Minister’s Office following reports by The Globe and Mail and Global News regarding intelligence leaks about foreign interference by the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The document states, “We know the PRC clandestinely and deceptively interfered in both the 2019 and 2021 general elections. In both instances, the foreign interference was pragmatic and focused on supporting candidates considered ‘pro-PRC’ or ‘neutral’ on PRC-related issues.”
It alleges that at least 11 candidates and 13 staff members were involved in foreign interference by the Chinese government, across multiple political parties.
Another CSIS document presented earlier in the inquiry mentions seven Liberal candidates and four from the Conservative Party of Canada.
The briefing note highlights online and media activities aimed at dissuading Canadians, particularly those of Chinese heritage, from supporting the Conservative Party, leader Erin O’Toole, and candidate Kenny Chiu in Steveston-Richmond East.
In 2021, the document suggests that the PRC’s foreign interference activities were likely driven by a perception that the Conservative Party of Canada was advocating policies seen as anti-PRC.
