Feds ‘Not There Yet’ on Launching Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference, Says Minister

Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure, and Communities Dominic LeBlanc rises during Question Period in the House of Commons in Ottawa on March 27, 2023. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)

The federal government remains undecided on its proposed process for launching some form of a public inquiry into allegations of foreign interference in elections, with Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc saying cabinet is “not there yet” and needs to hold further talks on the matter with opposition party leaders.

“We have made significant progress,” Mr. LeBlanc told reporters during a press conference in New Brunswick on July 17, according to CTV News.

When pressed for more details on the government’s discussions with opposition leaders, Mr. LeBlanc said that “public conjecture” would not aid the “constructive private conversations” currently underway between the parties.

“I can tell you that we recognize the importance of reassuring Canadians about the resiliency of our democracy. We think Canadians understandably want to be assured that Canadian elections are decided by Canadians independently,” he said.

“Any steps that can be taken to greater ensure that level of confidence … we view as positive. And frankly, we’re encouraged by the collaborative tone with the opposition parties.”

Since former governor general David Johnston stepped down as special rapporteur on foreign election interference in early June, Mr. LeBlanc has been holding consultations with all opposition party leaders to determine how to proceed with investigating allegations of foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections.

Cross-Party Negotiations

Mr. LeBlanc’s comments on July 17 come about two weeks after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Conservative Party of blocking cross-party consensus on establishing a process for a potential public inquiry into foreign interference.

“We need to make sure that all parties agree on the framework, on the kind of process to be put in place, and on the person who will be heading it,” Mr. Trudeau told reporters in Saint-Hyacinthe, Que., on July 5.

Mr. Trudeau also said that the federal government “will not be able to move forward with any seriousness if the Conservative Party once again refuses to participate in or accept the process we put forward.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre responded by saying Mr. Trudeau is “lying when he accuses Conservatives of blocking consensus on a public inquiry into Beijing’s interference.”

Mr. Poilievre said in a statement on July 6 that the Conservatives have a list of individuals whom they would like to lead a potential public inquiry. He also said his office has been trying to contact Mr. LeBlanc’s office to “confirm an agreement,” but the calls went unanswered.

“Conservatives are sitting next to our phones waiting for the Prime Minister’s decision,” Mr. Poilievre said. “Lying, delaying and blaming others won’t change that. He and only he has the power to call an inquiry.”