In a significant development concerning Canada’s electoral integrity, Minister Dominic LeBlanc addressed reporters on Parliament Hill following the release of the first report of the public inquiry into foreign interference. The inquiry, spearheaded by Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue, delved into allegations of foreign interference by several nations, including China and Russia, in both the 2019 and 2021 Canadian federal elections.
Commissioner Hogue’s findings, as elucidated by Minister LeBlanc, underscored a pivotal point: while foreign interference did not alter the results of the aforementioned elections or undermine the integrity of Canada’s electoral system, it cast a shadow on the democratic process. Minister LeBlanc acknowledged the stain left by such interference and emphasized the need to address and rectify these issues to uphold public trust in democratic institutions.
The public inquiry, initiated after extensive consultations with all recognized parties in the House of Commons, received unanimous acceptance of its mandate and the appointment of Commissioner Hogue. Minister LeBlanc stressed the nonpartisan nature of efforts to safeguard democracy from foreign interference, highlighting Canada’s robust mechanisms in place to protect its electoral processes.
Minister LeBlanc expressed gratitude to Commissioner Hogue and her team for their diligent work in compiling the initial report, which marks the culmination of the inquiry’s fact-finding phase. He reiterated the government’s commitment to reviewing the report meticulously to further fortify the resilience of Canada’s election procedures and democratic institutions.
Looking ahead, Minister LeBlanc outlined the inquiry’s timeline, with the final report slated for release on December 31, 2024, following a second stage of hearings focused on assessing the federal government’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to foreign interference.
During the press conference, Minister LeBlanc fielded questions regarding the government’s response to the inquiry’s findings. He assured swift action, noting that adjustments to existing measures would be made based on the initial report’s recommendations, without waiting for the final report’s release.
In response to concerns about information sharing between the Security Intelligence Service and Parliament, Minister LeBlanc reiterated the government’s commitment to improving and strengthening the sharing process. He emphasized the rigorous protocols in place to handle sensitive information, underscoring the paramount importance of maintaining the confidence of security partners.
As the inquiry progresses, Canadians await further insights and recommendations to safeguard the integrity of their democratic processes.