By Canadian Press

NDP praises David Johnston, as Tory, Bloc bemoan interference watchdog appointment

Mar 16, 2023 | 10:42 AM

OTTAWA — Opposition parties continue to call for a public inquiry into foreign interference, but the NDP is welcoming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s choice of a special rapporteur.

On Wednesday, Trudeau announced that former governor general David Johnston will look into allegations of foreign meddling in Canada’s last two federal elections and recommend what the Liberal government should do about it.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says in a statement that “Trudeau must end his cover up,” noting that Trudeau referred to Johnston as a “family friend” in 2017.

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet says Johnston is “close” to Trudeau, and called the idea a “superfluous” waste of time since opposition parties will still demand a public inquiry.

Yet NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says Johnston is a “non-partisan” official known for his integrity, and the New Democrats welcome his work while still pushing for an inquiry. 

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The Canadian Press has requested an interview with Johnston.

Blanchet added that the allegations of Chinese interference and the lack of transparency around the matter have created terrible optics for Canada ahead of the visit this month by U.S. President Joe Biden.

For its part, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa said it undertakes regular engagements “in various circles of Canada” but insisted Beijing does not interfere in internal affairs. 

“It is the responsibility of consular institutions to have extensive contacts and carry out friendly exchanges with local governments and all circles of society,” the embassy wrote on Twitter.

“It is the right granted by international law and also a common practice in the international society.”

Trudeau has said the appointment was made after consultations with all parties in the House of Commons, though the NDP said Johnston’s name was not raised with them during the consultations.

The appointment came after Global News and the Globe and Mail newspaper reported allegations of Chinese interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections.

Johnston’s recommendations could include a public inquiry or another independent review process. The Liberals have pledged to make his recommendations public and abide by the guidance.

Since 2018, Johnston has been a member of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. The charity has previously said Justin Trudeau ended his formal involvement with the foundation in 2014.

Johnston was named governor general on the advice of former Conservative prime minister Stephen Harper in 2010, and his term was extended under Trudeau until 2017.

During his seven years as viceregal, he became one of the most well-travelled governors general in Canadian history, leading more than 50 international visits.

That included trips to China, which is now the focus of foreign interference allegations.

Shortly after delivering the throne speech in October 2013, Johnston travelled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who had recently taken power. The trip was intended to renew Chinese investment in Canada and overlapped with visits by two top Conservative cabinet ministers.

That was his first official visit as governor general, but Johnston had been to China about a dozen times previously during his academic career.

A mandate for Johnston’s new role is being finalized and will be made public, Trudeau’s office said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 16, 2023.

— With files from David Fraser

Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press