Canadian appointee investigating China election claims steps down
A government appointee looking into allegations of Chinese interference in Canada announced on Friday (June 9) that he is stepping down from his role, citing the highly partisan atmosphere around his work.
A government appointee looking into allegations of Chinese interference in Canada announced on Friday (June 9) that he is stepping down from his role, citing the highly partisan atmosphere around his work.
Former Canadian Governor General David Johnston said in a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that his leadership of the government’s probe into purported meddling by China has not helped build trust in democratic institutions because of partisanship.
The appointment of Johnston was contentious, with opposition Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre accusing him of being too close to Trudeau’s family.
All opposition parties in the House of Commons have called for the government to hold a public inquiry into the allegations of foreign interference, but Johnston recently released a report recommending against that. In Friday’s announcement, Johnston also indicated he would release a brief final report before his departure.
David Johnston has done the right thing.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) June 9, 2023
Now the Prime Minister must call a public inquiry, so that we can restore trust in our democracy.
