A landmark report on foreign interference in Canada’s democratic system has found no evidence that lawmakers have been “traitors” but recommended the country to be proactive about its democratic institutions. According to Judge Marie-Josee Hogue, leading the inquiry, “Canada’s democratic framework remains robust against foreign meddling, but there is a need for better communication and protection.”.
Hogue’s final report, presented on Tuesday, challenged previous allegations from Canada’s intelligence agencies, which claimed some parliamentarians had knowingly or unknowingly participated in foreign interference. Although Hogue acknowledged some parliamentarians displayed naïveté and questionable ethics, she found no conclusive proof of criminal actions.
Earlier in the year, the national security committee had noted the presence of foreign interference within parliament. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that he was holding a list of people involved in interference from overseas. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre turned down allegations made by Trudeau, with claims that they were unfounded. Hogue’s investigation did not find widespread foreign influence or criminal activity among lawmakers.
The report did identify foreign influence attempts, especially by China and India in order to shape Canadian politics. Canada tossed out a Chinese diplomat in 2023 for trying to intimidate an elected lawmaker who had spoken out against China’s human rights abuses. Disinformation campaigns and pressure on diaspora communities by both China and India were also found. Still, Hogue found that these efforts did not change the recent outcomes in elections.
The report lists 51 recommendations, of which it is said half will be implemented before the next federal election. Hogue reiterated that disinformation remains the most acute threat to Canadian democracy and urged more collaboration in fighting it.
