Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has stated in a public inquiry that while there were attempts by China to meddle in the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections, these actions did not impact the overall integrity and outcomes of the elections. Trudeau mentioned that despite foreign interference attempts, the elections were conducted fairly and the results were determined by Canadian voters. He also found it improbable that China would prefer any specific party in these elections.
This inquiry was initiated due to concerns raised by opposition members and subsequent media reports regarding China’s potential influence in Canadian electoral processes. However, Trudeau, whose Liberal Party won in both elections, emphasized that the elections maintained their integrity.
China, on the other hand, has denied these interference allegations, labeling them as “groundless” and expressing strong opposition to what it perceives as slander from Trudeau during the inquiry. The Canadian domestic spy agency has also contributed to the discussion, asserting that China engaged in secretive and deceptive activities to interfere in both elections.
The situation illustrates the complexities of international relations and the challenges of safeguarding national electoral processes from foreign interference.
‘China has never had any interest in interfering in Canada’s affairs’
On Monday, Canada’s domestic spy agency told the commission that China “clandestinely and deceptively interfered” in both elections, the firmest evidence so far of suspected Chinese meddling in Canadian politics.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Canada said Trudeau “slandered” China during the inquiry and that “China strongly deplores and resolutely opposes this”.
The spokesperson accused some politicians of attempting to target China in the public investigation.