Canadian gov’t launches public inquiry into foreign election interference, taps judge as commissioner

After months of deliberations, the federal government has found a judge to lead a public inquiry into foreign interference, CTV News has confirmed.

After months of deliberations, the federal government is launching a public inquiry into foreign election interference in Canada, and has found a judge to lead it.

Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc announced Tuesday that Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josée Hogue will serve as commissioner to lead the probe, which will look beyond China to other foreign meddling.

“Justice Hogue will be tasked with examining and assessing interference by China, Russia, and other foreign states and non-state actors, including any potential impacts to confirm the integrity of, and impacts on, the 2019 and 2021 general elections at the national and the electoral district levels,” LeBlanc said.

LeBlanc said Hogue will have “full access” to all relevant cabinet documents, as well as any other documents she deems necessary, with the goal of tabling an interim report by Feb. 29, 2024, a few days shy of six months from now.

Hogue’s final report is due by the end of next year.

“In addition to examining and assessing interference by China, Russia and other foreign state and non-state actors, Justice Hogue will also look at the flow of information to senior decision makers, including elected officials,” LeBlanc said.

This development comes after several months of opposition parties and some national security stakeholders calling for a full public inquiry, amid heightened attention on alleged attempts by China to meddle in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections.