The inquiry into foreign interference in Canada’s last two federal elections is scheduled to release its final report on January 28, after reviewing hundreds of documents and hearing hours of testimony.
Commissioner Marie-Josée Hoag’s findings and any potential recommendations were announced as MPs increasingly prepare for the inevitable spring elections.
Since January of last year, Hogue and her legal team have been investigating widespread foreign interference by multiple countries, including China, Russia, and India, in the past two elections and whether information was shared with the appropriate people in Congress. I have listened to hours of sometimes contradictory testimony. At the right time.
The inquiry’s first report, published in May, said foreign interference was a “stain” on the country’s electoral system, but Hogue said any attempt at interference could affect which party forms government. said it would have no effect.
Its initial report suggested that results in a small number of ridings may have been influenced by foreign interference, “but we cannot say with certainty that this is the case.”
The second half of the hearing focused on the ability of government agencies and officials to identify and counter foreign interference.
The federal investigation was sparked by media reports last year that accused China of interfering in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections, citing anonymous security officials and classified documents.
Mr Hogue’s final report was originally due to be submitted at the end of last year, but an extension was granted.
