Where to watch PM Justin Trudeau's foreign interference inquiry testimony
CTV
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is testifying today, for the second time, as part of the federal inquiry into foreign interference.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is testifying today, for the second time, as part of the federal inquiry into foreign interference.
The prime minister's appearance comes after weeks of hearings as part of the second phase of the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions.
Trudeau's testimony has been on the books for some time, but comes amid heightened international attention on India's alleged foreign interference in Canada, after the RCMP revealed it had credible evidence linking Indian diplomats and consular officials to clandestine and serious criminal activity in this country.
The second phase of the public inquiry is focused on the federal government's capacity and capabilities to "detect, deter and counter" foreign interference targeting Canada's democratic and electoral processes, as well as the experiences of diaspora communities. It is expected the questioning of the prime minister will be focused around these themes.
This more forward-looking portion of the probe is meant to help Canada shore up its democratic processes against future threats as the next federal election approaches.
The prime minister's first round of testimony last April was part of the first fact-finding phase of the inquiry, which focused on determining whether China, Russia and other foreign actors interfered in the last two federal votes, and how the government responded.
During his initial hearing, the prime minister delved into what he knew and when regarding specific interference allegations, and voiced frustration about the "sensationalized," intelligence leaks at the centre of the controversy.
