Trudeau picks former governor general David Johnston to probe election meddling claims
CBC
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tapped former governor general David Johnston to investigate claims that China meddled in Canada's last two elections.
Trudeau said last week that he would name an "eminent" and independent person as a special rapporteur on election interference. He said the special rapporteur "will have a wide mandate and make expert recommendations on combating interference and strengthening our democracy."
Johnston was appointed governor general in 2010 by then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He held that role until 2017.
Johnston is currently the head of the independent Leaders' Debates Commission an independent body that oversees leaders' debates during federal election campaigns. He will step down from that role to act as the new rapporteur, according to a news release from the Prime Minister's Office [PMO].
"David Johnston brings integrity and a wealth of experience and skills, and I am confident that he will conduct an impartial review to ensure all necessary steps are being taken to keep our democracy safe and uphold and strengthen confidence in it," Trudeau said in a media statement Wednesday.
WATCH | David Johnston is 'unimpeachable,' says minister
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh have been pushing for a public inquiry on foreign election interference.
Trudeau said the rapporteur could recommend a formal inquiry and that he would abide by that recommendation.
Johnston played a similar role in the past. In 2007, Harper picked the then-law professor to draft the terms of reference for what would become the Oliphant Commission, which probed former prime minister Brian Mulroney's business dealings with German-Canadian businessman Karlheinz Schreiber.
The PMO statement said that all parties were consulted on Johnston's appointment, but it doesn't say to what extent.
WATCH | NDP welcomes Johnston appointment but still wants a public inquiry
NDP MP Rachel Blaney told CBC News Network's Power & Politics she is "content" with the decision to appoint Johnston — but the party still wants to see a public inquiry.
"Canadians need a sense of trust. They need to know their institutions work for them," she told host David Cochrane, adding that Johnston's work and recommendations need to be transparent.
"I think that Mr. Johnston is going to have to be held to a high account. Canadians are watching this very carefully."
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