All opposition parties came together on Thursday to pass a corresponding motion. Liberal MPs voted against.

However, the committee has no power to order a commission of inquiry or compel Justin Trudeau’s government to do so. The fate of the latter is now in the hands of the deputies.

So far, the Prime Minister has not prevented such an investigation from being launched, but he has stressed that the mechanisms in place are already public.

Yet he claimed it on Wednesday always open to more to reassure Canadians and the institutions robust and equipped to counter foreign interference.

Among others, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Commissioner of Canada Elections and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) came before the committee on Thursday to testify.

There RCMP called do not have the necessary evidence to open a criminal investigationsaid his deputy commissioner Michael Duheme.

This was explained by the Federal Minister for Public Safety, Marco Mendicino Foreign interference aims to undermine citizens’ trust in their institutions, prompting the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to testify before a parliamentary committee.

” In addition, we want to improve our toolbox, for example by creating a register of foreign agents. »

The parliamentary committee is investigating allegations of foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections after a series of reports from the network In total and every day The Globe and the Mail, citing unnamed sources who have detailed China-staged interference attempts during the last two federal election campaigns.

In that regard, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Davis Morrison challenged these allegations. I would say these reports are based on rumourshe said.

Investigation absolutely necessary

NDP House Speaker Peter Julian defended the idea of ​​a public inquiry Thursday as he debated his motion for such a commission.

The allegations could potentially involve a violation of the Canada Elections Act. These are very serious allegationshe argued.

Tory MP Luc Berthold raised issues he thought an inquiry could resolve.

What did Prime Minister Justin Trudeau know? As the first [ministre] has he learned [qu’il y avait eu ingérence étrangère]? What did Prime Minister Justin Trudeau do? Or rather: what did he not do when he heard about the numerous allegations of interference by the Beijing regime in the democratic process in Canada?he listed.

For her part, Bloc MP Christine Normandin lobbied for the commissioner who would lead any possible investigation to be appointed by agreement between the parties.

If we are to restore voters’ confidence in their democratic institutions, we must ensure from the outset that the person who is going to conduct the investigation has some credibility. This is absolutely necessaryshe argued.

Extended range

While Canada’s Conservative Party called for an investigation focused and focused On alleged Beijing interference, the Bloc Québécois and the New Democratic Party (NDP) insisted on expanding the probe’s mandate for reasons of efficiency and in order to provide answers before the next election.

With more latitude, the commissioner-designate could address not only allegations against Beijing, but also concerns about Russian and Iranian, bloc and US intervention NDP.

I would like to remind committee members of the statement we heard: “Russian operations are persistent and continuous.”said NDP MP Peter Julian.

The Commissioner for Canadian Elections is investigating complaints

On Thursday morning, the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections confirmed that it is investigating at least three complaints received in recent weeks about allegations of foreign interference.

This analysis is ongoing as I speak to you.said Commissioner Caroline Simard on Thursday, who was invited to testify again before the Standing Committee on Procedures and Affairs of the House of Commons.

The Commissioner reiterated that the work carried out by her office is impartial and independent of the incumbent government.

” I recognize the need to reassure Canadians given the current extraordinary circumstances. »

When asked about the scope of her powers as Commissioner, Ms Simard identified improvements that could be made in this area. In particular, she mentioned the preservation of evidence and the possibility of forcing the submission of documents as part of a testimony order.

The commissioner also mentioned that the proposed fines are limited in amount clearly insufficient.

No power over the latest election results

She also clarified that the purpose of analyzing the complaints received at her office was to determine whether the allegations were based on the Canada Elections Act. However, she pointed out that this does not allow her to decide on the validity of election results.

Elections Canada Director General Stéphane Perrault testified alongside Ms Simard and mentioned that the issues raised in a recent report of the elections globe and mail was extremely worrying for our democracy and our sovereignty.

However, he said he was unable to comment on the accuracy of the article as he had not been given the reported information. However, he asked MEPs to examine the report some caution.

The leader of CSISDavid Vigneault, who also answered questions from elected officials, had to stress several times that he must not reveal sensitive information, even if it could have leaked to the media.

The latter pointed this out The nature of intervention activities is changing […] What certain countries, certain actors did 10 years ago, they no longer do because they have learned how to do it. They understand how we work, they understand the powers we have.

THE CSIS Mr Vigneault does not want to be obliged to disclose his techniques so as not to compromise his investigations.

With information from The Canadian Press