The recent release of a top-secret intelligence report has shed light on ongoing attempts by the Chinese government to meddle in Canada’s political system, specifically targeting certain politicians deemed as opponents of China. The report, drafted a week before Canada’s 2021 general election, revealed a shadowy media campaign spreading false narratives about these politicians and encouraging Canadians to vote against them.
Politicians believed to have been targeted by Beijing testified at a public hearing on Wednesday, expressing their dismay at not being informed of China’s actions during the election. Kenny Chiu, a former member of Parliament and critic of Beijing’s human rights record, lamented the lack of support from intelligence officials while facing a barrage of attacks on social media.
The public hearings in Ottawa are part of a federal inquiry into foreign interference in Canada’s political system, with a focus on China’s involvement in the past two general elections. The Chinese Embassy in Canada has denied any interference in the elections, but reports suggest that the Chinese government backed candidates friendly to Beijing while opposing those critical of its policies.
Since President Xi Jinping’s rise to power, China has intensified efforts to sway elections in Canada and other countries through diaspora community organizations, Chinese-language media, and social media platforms. Chinese-Canadian activists have raised concerns about the growing influence of the Chinese government on community organizations and the targeting of politicians critical of China’s human rights record.
The impact of Chinese interference was felt in the 2021 election, with politicians like Kenny Chiu facing a wave of attacks on social media platforms like WeChat. Chiu, who was leading in polls, ultimately lost his race after being portrayed as a traitor to his community and his foreign registry bill as discriminatory. Erin O’Toole, the leader of the Conservatives in 2021, testified that foreign interference may have cost the party several districts, including Chiu’s, but did not change the overall election results.
While the Chinese government has denied any wrongdoing, the revelations from the intelligence report have raised concerns about the vulnerability of Canada’s democratic institutions and the need to address foreign interference in future elections.
