The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs raised concerns about suspected Chinese interference in the 2021 federal election campaign conducted primarily through the social media platform WeChat.
A department memo dated June 12, 2021, addressed to the deputy foreign minister highlighted the increasing adeptness of China in executing online information campaigns aimed at swaying Canadian audiences.
As first covered by Blacklock’s Reporter, the memo stated, “China shows growing sophistication in carrying out online information campaigns to influence audiences in Canada.” It further noted that agents of the Communist Party were effective in reaching out to both the mainland Chinese and diaspora communities using China-based platforms such as WeChat.
In the runup to the Sept. 20, 2021, federal election, the department noticed unusual activities on WeChat that indicated disinformation efforts and attempts to influence voter opinions in certain ridings. No action was taken against WeChat, which is owned by Tencent Holdings Limited, a media conglomerate based in Shenzhen. WeChat has been identified as a tool used for online information campaigns aimed at influencing Canadian audiences.
According to the memo, the platform’s lack of public disclosure regarding suspected incidents of foreign interference hindered Canadian election monitors’ ability to fully attribute the activity to a foreign government.
Rob Stewart, a former deputy minister of public safety and one of the federal monitors for the 2021 election, testified before the House Affairs Committee in October 2023. He stated that his role did not include informing individuals targeted by foreign interference, despite being aware of such activities.
Mr. Stewart admitted to being alerted twice by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service about Chinese agents using WeChat to target Conservative MP Michael Chong, although Mr. Chong was not informed.
Mr. Stewart said that his focus was not on determining threats to specific elections or ridings, but rather on monitoring questionable activities. He described receiving numerous memos and biweekly summaries on international security threats, all compiled into a binder for review.
The revelation of the WeChat memo coincides with the opening of the Commission on Foreign Interference in Ottawa on Jan. 29. Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, the Quebec judge leading the commission, has scheduled several days of testimony from various witnesses including David Vigneault, director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, among others.
Additionally, this phase will include a thorough review and assessment of how information related to these interferences was managed and circulated within the federal government, along with an analysis of the measures implemented in response.
During the second phase, the focus will shift to scrutinizing the capabilities and preparedness of Canada’s federal departments and agencies. This will involve a detailed examination of the existing institutional structures and governance processes to determine their effectiveness in enabling the Canadian government to identify, prevent, and counteract foreign interference.
