Report: Canadian Lawmakers Aided Foreign Interference

Above: Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to the media on the first day of the 2023 NATO Summit on July 11, 2023 in Vilnius, Lithuania. Image copyright: Sean Gallup/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

  • A Canadian intelligence watchdog has hinted that some of the country's parliamentarians may have deliberately aided foreign governments to interfere in Canadian politics.

  • According to a report published by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, China and India are the "most active perpetrators."


The Spin

Narrative A

It's shocking that some Canadian parliamentarians are accused of influencing colleagues on behalf of foreign entities, providing confidential information, and accepting benefits. The potential relationship with China must be especially probed. Lawmakers must be well-briefed on the matter to reduce vulnerabilities. The threat is serious.

Narrative B

Canada's intelligence agencies face a key but delicate balance in warning about the influence of foreign powers. Labeling legitimate political or diplomatic actions as a threat could be perceived as influencing the Canadian election itself. The intelligence community must ensure that their activities don't appear to sway electoral outcomes.


Metaculus Prediction


Public figures in this story