Beijing Disinformation Campaign Against MP Was Caught Inadvertently, Commission Hears

Conservative MP Michael Chong leaves the Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions after appearing as a witness, in Ottawa on April 3, 2024. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

A probable Beijing-directed disinformation campaign targeting Tory MP Michael Chong was inadvertently detected by Global Affairs Canada as the department was temporarily turning its sights inward to protect byelections against foreign meddling.

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) official Robin Wettlaufer told the Foreign Interference Commission on Oct. 4 that it’s “possible” the disinformation campaign wouldn’t have been detected outside an electoral period.