There is “no evidence” to suggest that Canadian institutions have been “seriously affected by foreign interference” or that there are “traitors” in Parliament, according to the long-anticipated final report from Canada’s foreign interference commission.
In the report released on Tuesday, Justice Marie-Josée Hogue did, however, note that foreign states’ “attempts are troubling” and noted “some concerning conduct by parliamentarians.” She concluded that Ottawa’s response “has been far from perfect” and criticized the government’s lack of transparency and poor communication.
Proxies, diplomats, and diaspora ‘control’
China is the “most active perpetrator of state-based foreign interference” in Canada, Hogue concluded, writing that Beijing acts through proxies and diplomatic officials, and through the United Front Work Department to “control and influence” the diaspora community.
Hogue also highlighted intelligence indicating that proxy agents of the Indian government may have provided — and may continue to provide — illicit financial support to “various Canadian politicians” to influence the election of pro-Indian candidates.
APF Canada’s National Opinion Poll, released last month in partnership with Leger 360, suggested that only 19 per cent of respondents “trusted” India, while only 10 per cent trusted China.
Diplomatic implications
China’s embassy in Ottawa accused the commission of making “groundless accusations and smears against China.” The ball is now in Beijing’s court: China’s commerce ministry commenced an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola seed in September 2024, following Ottawa’s announcement of 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
The findings from that probe — and any resulting measures — could indicate which way Beijing wants to steer the bilateral relationship. China has recently signalled an openness to expanding trade with Canada.
New Delhi, meanwhile, said “it is ... Canada which has been consistently interfering in India’s internal affairs,” and rejected the report’s “insinuations."
