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Federal inquiry finds no evidence of ‘traitors’ in Parliament, highlights need to strengthen measures against foreign interference

A public inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian elections has concluded that there is no evidence of “traitors” within Parliament conspiring with hostile foreign states against Canada’s interests.

Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue, who led the inquiry, released her final report on Tuesday, stating that although some troubling behavior was observed, particularly attempts by foreign states to gain favor with parliamentarians, these actions have remained limited and largely ineffective.

The report reassures that while there have been attempts to influence parliamentarians, these incidents should not cause widespread concern. There is no evidence to suggest that any parliamentarians owe their positions to foreign powers, nor is there any indication that federal policies have been changed due to foreign interference.

This report follows a wave of heated debate and concern in Ottawa, especially after a report by Canada’s intelligence watchdog in the spring. The issue of foreign interference became a significant topic after the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) reported in June that some MPs might be knowingly or unknowingly involved in foreign meddling in Canadian politics. They alleged that certain MPs were working on behalf of foreign governments, including providing confidential information to Indian officials or engaging in relations with China in exchange for political support.

Hogue’s team reviewed the findings of the NSICOP report but disagreed with some conclusions. She noted that some of the NSICOP’s claims were too definitive and lacked the necessary evidence to back them up. In her view, the report’s alarming tone was not entirely justified. Hogue clarified that while some behavior may have been concerning, there was no proof of deliberate treason within Parliament.

The inquiry’s final report also highlighted that the real and growing threat to democracy lies not in political figures themselves, but in the spread of disinformation. The report describes how foreign actors use disinformation campaigns to influence voters, target political candidates who don’t align with their interests, and sway policy decisions.

Hogue labeled disinformation as “toxic” and “powerful,” stressing that it is often used as a tactic to retaliate against those with differing viewpoints. This growing threat poses a significant challenge to the integrity of democratic processes and election outcomes.

In conclusion, while foreign influence remains a concern, the inquiry found that claims of a large-scale conspiracy within Parliament were overstated, with disinformation emerging as the more serious and pressing issue facing Canadian democracy today.

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