Justin Trudeau’s friend has ruled out a public inquiry on Chinese interference, going against the wishes of the majority of Canadians.
Canadians are furious after learning that special rapporteur David Johnston has ruled against holding a public inquiry into Chinese-state interference in Canada’s democracy.
In his report, Johnston sided with his friend Justin Trudeau, writing that he uncovered “no proof” that the prime minister ignored briefings on Chinese intelligence operations.
On Tuesday, the Globe and Mail reported:
Former governor general David Johnston says China’s interference in Canadian politics is an “increasing threat to our democratic system” but ruled out a public inquiry on the matter, saying intelligence on Beijing’s activities is highly classified and could never be openly discussed with Canadians.
Interestingly, Johnston did not dispute the Globe and Mail’s reporting on Chinese interference, suggesting that the outlet’s reporting on the matter was accurate.
Johnston is upset with the leaks from CSIS, presumably because they embarrassed his friend Trudeau. The special rapporteur is demanding that the leakers be caught, condemning them as “dangerous and destructive.”
Johnston is a close friend of Trudeau and has links to several Chinese institutions, calling his credibility and impartiality into question.
In response to the news, Toronto Sun columnist and lawyer Warren Kinsella demanded that the opposition “shut down Parliament.”
Conservative commentator and blogger Spencer Fernando had harsh words for Johnston, writing in a recent article, “this is a massive betrayal. And it signals that our nation is in serious peril. This is exactly what you would expect to see if our nation was highly compromised by Communist China.”
