Amidst growing controversy surrounding leaked information about China's alleged interference in Canadian elections, David Johnston, the special investigator appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to probe these claims, has resigned. Johnston cited the increasingly partisan climate surrounding his appointment and work as the reason for his departure, stating that his leadership had the unintended consequence of eroding public trust, contrary to his initial objective.
In his resignation letter to Trudeau, Johnston emphasized the urgency of a thorough review of foreign interference, its impact, and preventative measures. He reiterated his previous recommendation against a public inquiry under the Inquiries Act due to the classified nature of the information involved. However, he advocated for public hearings to educate the public and explore necessary reforms to government systems and policies related to foreign interference.
Johnston's first report highlighted several areas requiring further examination and reform, including the impact of foreign interference on diaspora communities, legal and regulatory changes, and a comprehensive review of intelligence communication and processing within the government. He urged Trudeau to appoint a respected individual with national security expertise to continue this work, suggesting consultation with opposition parties to identify suitable candidates.
The controversy stems from reports in the Globe and Mail newspaper, which revealed intelligence from Canada's top spy agency regarding alleged Chinese interference in federal elections. Opposition Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Trudeau's appointment of Johnston, citing Johnston's close ties to the Trudeau family and accusing him of being unfit for an impartial investigation. Poilievre called for a public inquiry, a demand echoed by all opposition parties in the House of Commons, but Johnston's report advised against it.
Trudeau expressed full confidence in Johnston's handling of the inquiry, downplaying the significance of any family connections. This incident follows the recent expulsion of a Chinese diplomat from Canada for alleged involvement in a plot to intimidate a Conservative lawmaker critical of Beijing. China retaliated by expelling a Canadian diplomat. The diplomatic tension between the two countries continues to be strained, with this latest resignation adding another layer of complexity.
