Ontario Election-Focused Group Led by Individual Involved in Initiative Guided by China’s United Front

Voters line up outside a voting station to cast their ballots in the municipal election in Toronto on Oct. 22, 2018. The Canadian Press/Chris Young

A new Ontario organization that says it aims to promote political candidates with Chinese heritage is led by an individual involved in a group “guided” by China’s United Front Work Department, an agency responsible for co-opting opposition inside China as well as carrying out influence activities abroad.

Guo Baozhang, chair of the Chinese Council for Western Ontario Elections (CCWOE), said at a Nov. 20 press conference that his organization’s goal is to “increase the Chinese voter turnout rate and build a democratic, multicultural society.”