The Canadian government recently announced that Quebec Court of Appeal Justice
Marie-Josée Hogue will be heading a public inquiry into allegations of foreign interference in Canadian elections.
Justice Hogue’s role will involve leading an independent examination into infiltration in the 2019 and 2021 elections by foreign states including China and Russia, along with other non-state players. The investigation’s findings are set to be announced in stages, with the release of an interim report by February 29, 2024, and a conclusive report by December 2024. Details here.
Soundings of such foreign intervention in Canadian politics have been circulating for a while now. In fact, during the past year alone, Canada has made public several instances of breached intelligence. One instance, in particular, saw a Chinese diplomat being incriminated in alleged attempts at interference that ranged from acts of intimidation to attempts at countering democratically expressed opinions. Read more about these instances.
The Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs Public Safety Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, expressed gratitude to the Opposition House Leaders for their non-partisan commitment to this cause and helping ensure the resilience of Canada’s democratic institutions.
This appointment has been made in accordance with the Canadian Inquiries Act (1985), allowing Hogue to operate independently from the government. In her new role as Commissioner, Hogue will have the power under section 3 of the Inquiries Act (1985) to gather evidence, issue subpoenas, enforce the attendance of witnesses, compel them to testify, and overall, conduct the investigation.
Dominic LeBlanc also conveyed his acknowledgment to Hogue for her agreement to helm the inquiry, confidently stating that she will receive complete support from all recognized parties in the House.
The balanced and comprehensive transcription of this developing saga can be followed on JURIST – News.