As foreign interference allegations stack up, top intelligence official says last two elections were 'legitimate'

As reports of alleged Chinese interference in the last two federal elections stack up, one of Canada's highest-ranking intelligence officials told MPs that while Canadians' concerns about foreign meddling are understandable, they should be assured that 'the last two federal elections were fair and legitimate.'

As reports of alleged Chinese interference in the last two federal elections stack up, one of Canada's highest-ranking intelligence officials told MPs that while Canadians' concerns about foreign meddling are understandable, they should be assured that "the last two federal elections were fair and legitimate."

That's how Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's National Security and Intelligence Advisor Jody Thomas put it during her testimony before the Procedure and House Affairs Committee (PROC) studying foreign election interference.

She said that while various federal agencies tasked with detecting, deterring and countering foreign interference have acknowledged that "foreign interference has been attempted," the government is taking "concrete steps" to strengthen Canada's institutions and ensure those responsible face consequences.

Appearing alongside Thomas were foreign affairs associate deputy minister Cindy Termorshuizen, and public safety deputy minister Shawn Tupper, who confirmed during Wednesday's hearing that, despite all that's been reported, the RCMP is not investigating any of the interference allegations stemming from the last federal election.

"The RCMP form a critical part of the team of people who assess activities during elections. They were aware of the information that was brought forward, they have looked at that information and have concluded that they will not pursue a criminal investigation," Tupper said. "I can confirm that the RCMP is not investigating any of the allegations that are arising from the last election."

Tupper also spoke about how the nature of foreign interference is shifting, from "suitcases full of money" to the use of social media and cyberattacks, as evidenced during the 2016 U.S. election.

"It's more pervasive, it's more aggressive, and the potential for damage to our democracy is that much more serious," he said.