Federal election watchdog launches investigation into foreign interference complaints

The commissioner of Canada Elections — the watchdog that enforces Canada's federal election laws — said Thursday her office has launched an investigation into allegations of foreign interference in the last two federal election campaigns.

In response to recent reports about Chinese interference in Canada's democracy, Caroline Simard said Thursday that her office has received serious complaints about meddling that demand a closer look.

Simard said her office — which probes all alleged election violations, not just claims of foreign meddling — received 158 complaints concerning the 2019 election dealing with "10 situations." There have been 16 complaints regarding "13 situations" in the 2021 campaign. Simard said all of those complaints have since been resolved.

After Global News reported claims last fall that China operates "a vast campaign of foreign interference" in Canadian politics, Simard said her office received three more complaints about Beijing's alleged meddling.

Work is underway now to determine whether there's merit to those complaints, she said.

"I am seized with the importance of this issue … as well as the need to reassure Canadians under these exceptional circumstances," Simard said.

"We have conducted a rigorous and thorough review of every complaint and every piece of information that has been brought to our attention concerning allegations of foreign interference," she said. "This review is ongoing as I speak, to see if there's tangible evidence of wrongdoing under the Canada Elections Act."

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Simard said her office's work is conducted impartially; there's no link between her office and the federal government of the day, the public service or Elections Canada, the federal body that actually runs elections.

Canada's election laws forbid anyone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident from contributing to political parties, candidates, electoral district associations, or leadership and nomination contestants. Foreign entities also can't contribute to "third parties" registered to spend in an election.

During an election period, it is also illegal for any foreign person or entity to "unduly influence" an elector to vote or refrain from voting for a particular candidate or registered party.

Last month, Global News cited unnamed sources saying that national security officials briefed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about Liberal MP Han Dong.

The news outlet said CSIS has identified Dong as "a witting affiliate in China's election interference networks." Global also reported Dong was one of the 11 candidates allegedly supported by Beijing in the 2019 election.

CSIS reportedly told Trudeau that China's consulate in Toronto floated cash to at least 11 federal election candidates "and numerous Beijing operatives" who worked as campaign staffers.