Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure, and Communities Dominic LeBlanc addressed the media at a news conference held in the foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on June 10, 2023, following David Johnston’s resignation. (Image: The Canadian Press/Justin Tang)
On the matter of a possible public inquiry into foreign interference, the Liberal government is open to the idea but wants the federal opposition parties to collaborate and agree on the inquiry’s terms of reference.
According to Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, the opposition parties have proven their ability to work together in recent months, such as passing a non-binding motion in the House of Commons calling for David Johnston’s resignation as special rapporteur in charge of investigating foreign interference.
Johnston agreed to step down on Friday due to the highly partisan environment surrounding his work.
LeBlanc has been tasked with consulting with experts and opposition members to decide the next steps, including whether to continue Johnston’s work or conduct a public inquiry, as the opposition has long been pushing for. He has asked them to provide a list of potential inquiry leaders and suggestions on the inquiry’s terms of reference.