Canada opens inquiry into allegations of election meddling by China, Russia

Canada has tasked a judge with leading a public inquiry into alleged election interference by China and Russia

Canada has tasked a judge with leading a public inquiry into alleged election interference by China and Russia, a victory for conservative politicians in the opposition who have accused the Canadian government for months of failing to adequately respond to the allegations.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government on Thursday assigned Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josee Hogue to lead the probe.

“Foreign interference in Canadian democratic institutions is unacceptable,” Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said during a news conference.

“Justice Hogue will be tasked with examining and assessing interference by China, Russia and other foreign states and non-state actors.”

Trudeau’s government has faced growing criticism over the past several months after media reports surfaced alleging that China sought to interfere in the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections.