In a startling development during the ongoing public inquiry into foreign interference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified that he has intelligence linking certain Conservative parliamentarians to foreign interference activities. Trudeau disclosed that both current and former members, as well as candidates of the Conservative Party, are either directly involved in or at high risk of being influenced by foreign actors.
Trudeau’s testimony, which took place today, has added significant weight to the inquiry. He revealed that the intelligence, gathered by Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), indicates a clear risk of foreign interference targeting members of the Conservative Party. In response to this, Trudeau said he had instructed CSIS to warn Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and ensure the party was made aware of the potential threats. This, he explained, was part of an effort to protect the integrity of the party and its members from being manipulated by foreign entities.
“I have the names of a number of parliamentarians, former parliamentarians, and candidates in the Conservative Party of Canada who are engaged, or at high risk of, or for whom there is clear intelligence around foreign interference,” Trudeau told the inquiry.
He continued by stating that the intelligence services had been tasked with briefing Poilievre to safeguard the party from undue foreign influence. However, Trudeau expressed frustration over Poilievre’s refusal to undergo security screening, which has prevented the Conservative leadership from receiving crucial intelligence and taking appropriate action.
Poilievre’s Refusal to Obtain Security Clearance Sparks Concern
Trudeau’s comments highlighted the fact that Poilievre has not sought the security clearance that would allow him access to classified briefings on national security matters. According to the Prime Minister, this decision leaves the Conservative Party vulnerable, as no one in the party leadership is privy to the intelligence needed to address the potential foreign interference within its ranks.
“The decision by the leader of the Conservative Party to not get those classified briefings means that nobody in his party, not him, nobody in a position of power knows the names of these individuals and can take appropriate action,” Trudeau said. He added that without someone with security clearance, the party is also unable to challenge or verify the accuracy of the intelligence, which could be based on multiple sources or could be incomplete.
Trudeau insisted that his government is not using intelligence for political gain. “I don’t believe in using national security information for partisan purposes,” he stated, stressing the importance of keeping the country’s security matters above political manipulation.
Inquiry into Foreign Interference Continues
The inquiry into foreign interference, led by Commissioner Justice Marie-Josee Hogue, was established in response to media reports alleging that China had attempted to influence the results of the 2019 and 2021 federal elections in Canada. Reports suggested that China engaged in covert activities to manipulate voting outcomes in key ridings.
While Hogue’s initial report, released in May 2024, acknowledged that foreign interference may have occurred in a limited number of ridings, it concluded that such interference did not affect the overall results of the federal elections. Nonetheless, the inquiry has remained a focal point for political debate, particularly given the broader concerns about the growing influence of foreign governments in democratic processes worldwide.
The inquiry is examining not only foreign influence in election processes but also broader allegations of interference aimed at undermining Canada’s democratic institutions. The final phase of hearings will be held from October 21 to 25, where experts will provide policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Canada’s defenses against foreign meddling.
Escalating Tensions Following Diplomatic Expulsions
Trudeau’s testimony comes at a tense time for Canadian foreign relations, as the government has recently been involved in a diplomatic dispute with India. Just days ago, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, accusing them of being involved in foreign interference and targeting opponents of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including members of the Sikh community in Canada who support the Khalistan independence movement.
India retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats from its own consular offices. This diplomatic rift has raised the stakes in the inquiry into foreign interference, as allegations of India’s involvement in violent actions against Canadian citizens further complicate an already heated political atmosphere.
While today’s testimony did not directly connect the foreign interference with India, the timing of the testimony and the expulsion of diplomats has led to heightened scrutiny of foreign influence in Canadian politics.
Implications for Canadian Politics
Trudeau’s revelations about potential foreign interference within the Conservative Party may have wide-reaching political implications. As the inquiry unfolds, the focus will likely shift to how Canadian political parties manage and respond to the threat of foreign interference. Trudeau’s testimony also raises questions about the leadership choices made by Poilievre, particularly regarding his decision not to undergo security screening, which could impact the public’s perception of the Conservative Party’s handling of national security issues.
The inquiry’s findings, along with the testimony provided by high-profile political figures like Trudeau, are expected to shape future policies designed to safeguard Canada’s electoral process from foreign meddling. The commission’s final recommendations will be key in determining how Canada can strengthen its defenses against foreign interference, protect its democratic institutions, and maintain public trust in the political process.
With the inquiry set to conclude its hearings later this month, all eyes will be on how political leaders, particularly within the Conservative Party, respond to the serious allegations raised during the proceedings.