Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has called on the Liberal government to release the names of Members of Parliament accused of aiding foreign states, following an explosive intelligence report. The report by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) alleges that certain MPs “wittingly” worked with foreign actors, including China and India, to interfere in Canadian politics.
During a heated session in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Poilievre emphasized the public’s right to know the identities of these MPs. “The national security committee indicates there are members of this House who have knowingly worked for foreign hostile governments. Canadians have a right to know who and what is the information,” said Poilievre.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc responded that releasing such names publicly would be inappropriate and suggested Poilievre obtain a security clearance to review the confidential information himself.
NSICOP’s chair, David McGuinty, reiterated the committee’s limitations due to the Security of Information Act, stating, “The committee’s hands are tied. We can only release what we release.”
The report has ignited a fierce debate on the transparency and implications of foreign interference in Canadian politics. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland indicated that the Liberal Party would conduct an “internal follow-up” on the matter.