Canada's Foreign Interference Commission Reveals Evidence of Chinese Meddling in Federal Elections

⚠️China made coordinated efforts during the 2021 election to defeat conservatives and support liberals.

📢Individual People's Republic of China officials in Canada expressed a preference for a liberal party minority government.

🤔Security officials suspect China coordinated disinformation campaigns to undermine a conservative candidate.

🔎China may have assisted some liberal candidates in the Toronto area.

🌍Other countries, including Pakistan, Russia, Iran, and India, also attempted to interfere in Canadian political processes.

What evidence was presented about China's involvement in the elections?

—Evidence was presented that China made coordinated efforts to defeat conservatives during the 2021 election. Chinese officials in Canada expressed a preference for a liberal party minority government.

Were there any disinformation campaigns aimed at specific candidates?

—Yes, there was evidence of a coordinated disinformation campaign targeting a conservative candidate. Security officials believe China may have been involved.

Did China only target the 2021 election?

—The focus of the evidence was primarily on the 2021 election, but there were also indications that China may have assisted some liberal candidates in the Toronto area.

Which other countries were mentioned in relation to interference?

—Besides China, other countries mentioned were Pakistan, Russia, Iran, and India. However, no evidence was presented to suggest favoritism towards any particular party in Canadian elections.

What do political officials recommend to better protect against foreign interference?

—Political officials recommend the need for real-time information during election campaigns to better protect against foreign interference.

00:00Canada's foreign interference commission conducted hearings on attempts by foreign powers to interfere in the 2019 and 2021 Federal elections.

00:11China was the main focus of the hearings, with evidence suggesting coordinated efforts to tilt the 2021 election in favor of the Liberal Party.

01:06A conservative candidate testified about a barrage of disinformation aimed at him, suspected to be coordinated by China.

01:31The Prime Minister has been hesitant to comment on the evidence presented at the inquiry.

02:01Besides China, other countries such as Pakistan, Russia, Iran, and India were mentioned in relation to interference in Canadian political processes.