ottawa –
The former public security minister said he was very concerned that the debate about some MPs being complicit in foreign interference was becoming a “kangaroo court”.
Marco Mendicino told the Commission of Inquiry into Foreign Interference on Thursday that it was important to follow due process under the law before jumping to conclusions about the actions of members of Congress.
The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliament announced in June that some unnamed elected officials were participating “semi-intelligently or wittily” in foreign efforts to interfere in Canadian politics.
The frank claims by NSICOP, an intelligence watchdog made up of congressmen and senators sworn to secrecy, have raised concerns that those knowingly involved in interference may still be politically active. Ta.
Mendicino, who served as minister until July last year, emphasized the need for vigilance.
“The whole conversation around foreign interference and members of Congress has become a kangaroo, with little regard for the process of understanding how to evaluate information, especially given the rapidly evolving nature of information,” he said Thursday. “I am very concerned that it is being turned into a court of law.”
Toronto Liberal MP Mendicino said MPs should heed the advice of bipartisan security officials if they are suspected of supporting a foreign enemy.
If appropriate, the matter should be handed over to law enforcement, he added.
New Democratic Party lawmaker Jenny Kwan told the inquiry that the NSICOP report identified China and India as the main perpetrators of the interference and cast suspicion on members of Congress, especially those of Chinese and Indian descent. He said that he is throwing.
Kwan said it was putting members of Congress at grave risk, noting that protesters at the Capitol yelled at them, “Are you a traitor?”
Kwan acknowledged that the information in the NSICOP report is based on intelligence and is not evidence that can be used in court.
However, with a view to clearing the air, she suggested that members of Congress who are half-knowingly or unknowingly participating in foreign interference be cognizant and appropriately warned.
Kwan suggested calling the lawmaker in question to testify before a closed parliamentary committee and giving him a chance to respond. After review, a decision may be made regarding the best course of action and whether to disclose your name.
Under questioning from Kwan’s lawyers, Mendicino expressed concerns about the proposal Thursday.
“Congress has an inherently partisan atmosphere,” Mendicino said, adding that caution should be taken in creating such committees “comprised of partisan actors.”
Before making “hasty judgments” about MPs’ loyalties, he said: “Before jumping to conclusions, it is important that we are methodical and adhere to the due process requirements of the law and the Charter.” said.
Mr. Mendicino talked about obtaining cabinet approval and developing legislation for additional measures to counter foreign interference, noting that this requires “a very complex, nuanced and precise drafting process carried out by policy experts and lawyers. ”.
He said it was important to get the bill on track and consult the public, primarily on the creation of a Foreign Influences Transparency Registry, given “how emotionally charged this issue is.”
Some Canadians were concerned about the “potential for prejudice and stereotyping” and whether the bill went too far.
Additionally, Mendicino said the government is grappling with a plethora of unprecedented challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic, the Freedom Convoy protests, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and leaks to the media about foreign interference. said.
Earlier this year, long after Mendicino left the public security portfolio, parliament approved Bill C-70, which includes a foreign influence register and several other tools to combat interference.
Mendicino said the process of turning the cabinet memorandum into law “was not easy, but I am very happy that it has become law.”
The investigation found that in early 2021, it took Mendicino’s predecessor, Bill Blair, 54 days to approve a Canadian Security Intelligence Agency warrant application.
The average turnaround time for such applications is 4 to 10 days.
Investigators are looking into possible reasons for the delay. Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to be asked about the matter when he appears at the inquest on Friday.
Mendicino said review of warrant applications will be a priority during his term.
“Once those documents were submitted, they were placed on my desk without undue delay and I made sure to take the necessary time to read them and ask the relevant questions,” he said. Ta.
Mendicino said he is mindful of what is at stake for national security and the people who work to protect it. He also indicated he was aware of the federal court’s requirement that writ applications be complete and accurate.
“This was not an easy job, and it was not a quick job, but it was a top priority during my time as public safety minister.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly told the inquiry on Thursday that she took steps to get information about foreign interference in Canada to the Prime Minister’s Office after reading the episode in a newspaper last May.
“I found out that I don’t have access,” she said in French during her appearance.
Leaks to the media at the time alleged that Zhao Wei, a Chinese diplomat based in Canada, was involved in the interference.
A summary of Mr. Jolly’s private interview with the committee in July 2024 says that he immediately sought information from CSIS on the matter because he was “not previously aware of this information.”
Mr. Zhao was eventually expelled from Canada.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 10, 2024.
