Despite attempts by top federal officials to downplay the leaked intelligence on Chinese interference in Canada’s elections, a review of the reports shows that they are more than just uncorroborated observations. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, David Morrison, dismissed the reports as unreliable and unsubstantiated, but some of the information reportedly came from wiretaps and was presented in briefings and memos to ministers. Multiple sources have also corroborated allegations of interference, such as reports that the Chinese regime supported a Liberal Party candidate in 2019. Global News has also reported that MP Han Dong was a “witting affiliate” in Chinese election interference networks, a claim he has denied, but that was allegedly supported by a CSIS investigation using surveillance, wiretaps, and human sources. Other leaked information, including a 2020 CSIS briefing package, warns about dealings with former Ontario Liberal cabinet minister Michael Chan due to his ties to China’s consulate in Toronto. Despite these warnings, the Liberal government denied any foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections.
Intel leaks show substantiated reports of Beijing’s interference.
