6 Dec: Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown testified before the Public Safety and National Security Committee on Thursday regarding his 2022 campaign for leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC). The committee is currently investigating allegations of election interference, intimidation, and political violence in Canada by the Indian government.
Brown’s testimony was prompted by a summons after he declined an earlier invitation, citing his reluctance to engage in partisan politics as a municipal leader. During his appearance, Liberal committee members questioned him about potential foreign interference in his campaign, while Conservative members criticized the Liberals for alleged partisanship in summoning him.
Background on Brown’s Leadership Campaign
Brown was removed from the CPC leadership race months before Pierre Poilievre’s victory, following accusations from the party’s Leadership Election Organizing Committee of campaign finance violations—allegations Brown denies.
Liberal MP Pam Damoff clarified that Brown’s summons was based on findings from the Foreign Interference Commission, led by Quebec Justice Marie-Josée Hogue. “We believe you may have been a victim of foreign interference, which is why your testimony is important,” Damoff explained.
Brown’s Testimony on Foreign Interference
Brown acknowledged that foreign political interference exists across all levels of Canadian politics, including in Brampton and Peel Region. However, he expressed confidence that such interference did not impact the outcome of the CPC leadership race, attributing Poilievre’s success to his ability to sign up over 300,000 memberships.
“I believe foreign intervention has existed in Canadian politics for a long time,” Brown said. He noted that his positions on issues such as the recognition of the 1984 Sikh riots as genocide, support for the 2020-2021 Indian farmers’ protests, and attendance at a vigil for Sikh activist Deep Sidhu had strained his relationship with the Indian government. Brown described these positions as likely reasons for the Indian government’s alleged actions against him.
Allegations of Interference During Campaign
Brown recounted an incident where the Indian consul general made an “angry phone call” to his campaign co-chair, MP Michelle Rempel Garner, objecting to his use of the term “Sikh Nation” in speeches. This prompted Brown’s team to replace the term with “Sikh Kaum” in campaign addresses. Liberal committee members cited this as a clear example of foreign interference, though Brown stated it made him “uncomfortable” but stopped short of labeling it as interference.
Another incident involved Brown being “disinvited” from a campaign event organized by individuals allegedly connected to the Indian government. While confirming the disinvitation, Brown refrained from addressing related allegations raised in a CBC report, suggesting the committee speak directly to the anonymous sources cited.
Recommendations for Addressing Foreign Interference
Brown proposed greater transparency in disclosing interference incidents and clearer federal guidelines for acceptable diplomatic conduct. He emphasized the need for educational initiatives to ensure foreign diplomats understand Canadian laws and consequences for violations.
“A starting point is educating diplomatic representatives in Canada on appropriate and inappropriate behaviour under Canadian law,” he said.
Committee Reactions
Conservative committee members criticized the federal government for failing to effectively counter foreign election interference and called for stronger measures to address the issue. Meanwhile, Liberal members focused on the allegations related to Brown’s campaign, with a motion to summon additional witnesses deferred to a future meeting.
The committee’s investigation continues, with Brown’s testimony adding to the broader conversation on safeguarding Canada’s political processes from foreign influence.
