The Influencers

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ordered an investigation into allegations that China interfered in Canada’s elections in 2019 and 2021, following a series of reports about suspected meddling and also pressure from the opposition, Bloomberg reported.

Trudeau said he will appoint a special investigator to probe the alleged interference. He added that the matter will also be referred to a group of lawmakers cleared to see top-secret intelligence.

The move follows local media reports showing that the prime minister received intelligence briefings suggesting that China meddled in the two elections that returned Trudeau and his Liberal Party to power.

Last month, Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper cited intelligence alleging that China preferred to see Trudeau’s party win over the Conservative Party.

Meanwhile, a non-partisan group of officials released a report that found attempts at foreign interference in the 2021 elections.

Pressure increased from opposition lawmakers and the public after a poll found that two-thirds of Canadians believe China tried to interfere in its elections.

Analysts and the opposition, however, urged Trudeau to call a judicial inquiry, instead of appointing a special investigator.

At the same time, the Conservatives criticized a cross-party parliamentary group, noting that while the lawmakers are cleared to review classified intelligence, they are also sworn to secrecy about it.

While the Canadian leader has clashed with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trudeau’s Liberals are seen as more open to doing business with the Asian superpower. In contrast, the Conservatives maintain a hard line on China’s human rights record and consider the country poses a threat to national security.

China maintains that it did not interfere in Canada’s domestic affairs and has cautioned Ottawa to cease “smearing” Beijing with unsubstantiated charges.