Canadian Intelligence Finds Evidence of Chinese Interference in Elections

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is alleging Canadian elections have been targeted for influence by Chinese operatives since at least 2019.

The CSIS alerted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other cabinet members to the issue in January. Global News in Canada reports CSIS offered briefings and memos that lay out Beijing’s attempts to influence and “subvert” Canadian elections.

Delivered to the prime minister and several cabinet members in a series of briefings and memos first presented in January, the allegations included other detailed examples of Beijing’s efforts to further its influence and, in turn, subvert Canada’s democratic process, sources said.

Based on recent information from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), those efforts allegedly involve payments through intermediaries to candidates affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), placing agents into the offices of MPs in order to influence policy, seeking to co-opt and corrupt former Canadian officials to gain leverage in Ottawa, and mounting aggressive campaigns to punish Canadian politicians whom the People’s Republic of China (PRC) views as threats to its interests.

At least 11 candidates were found to have been backed by Beijing interests, including one Ontario representative (MP) who received C$250,000 in funding from Chinese parties.

The operation, which was reportedly directed from China’s consulate in Toronto, also sought to place operatives within the offices of serving MPs in an attempt to influence policy, the outlet alleged.

And efforts were also made to “co-opt and corrupt” former Canadian officials in a bid to gain influence within political circles.

Both of Canada’s major political parties, the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, are said to have been targets.

Prime Minister Trudeau says his administration has taken “significant measures” to rectify the issue.

“We have taken significant measures to strengthen the integrity of our elections processes and our systems, and will continue to invest in the fight against election interference, against foreign interference of our democracies and institutions.”

Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, claims his nation is not concerned with Canadian elections, and scolded the CSIS report.

“State-to-state relations can only be built on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. Canada should stop making remarks that hurt China-Canada relations.”

Lijian made no comment on how Chinese spy balloons spotted over Canada and the United States have a “mutual benefit” for the North American nation.

https://redstate.com/kiradavis/2023/02/17/canadian-intelligence-finds-evidence-of-chinese-interference-in-elections-n704975