Special rapporteur David Johnston’s first report addresses allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian politics, including claims against MP Han Dong, former cabinet minister Michael Chan, and the Chinese consulate’s influence in past federal elections. Regarding the allegation that 11 federal candidates were funded by the Chinese consulate, Johnston disputed the existence of a cohesive network and criticized the politicization of the issue. He questioned the validity of allegations of Chinese funding for federal candidates and defended the prime minister’s claims that he had never been briefed on the matter. Johnston concluded that the allegation against Han Dong, advising Beijing to hold off on the release of detained Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, was false but noted Dong’s close relationship with the Chinese consulate. Johnston acknowledged irregularities in Dong’s nomination but argued that Dong was unaware of any wrongdoing. He also noted Chan’s close ties to the Chinese consulate but dismissed allegations of his involvement in replacing Dong’s predecessor. Johnston also investigated media reports of China’s threats against Conservative MP Michael Chong’s family and found no evidence of intelligence on the matter reaching the prime minister’s office.