ottawa –
A former MP is suspected of “working to influence the business of Parliament” on behalf of an unnamed foreign government, Canada’s Spy Agency said in a federal investigation Friday.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service also cited indications that unspecified foreign governments have intervened to reduce the chances of certain Liberal candidates being elected in the federal election.
A brief submitted to the investigation states: “It is suspected that a foreign government attempted to block the candidate’s bid based on the candidate’s support for issues believed to be contrary to the foreign government’s interests.” .
CSIS explained that the two incidents were previously unknown to the ongoing commission of inquiry.
However, the spy agency did not provide additional details about the countries or people involved in the allegations.
The allegations about the former MP are the latest suggestion that Canadian politicians may have interfered.
In June, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliament released a confidential report that found some MPs were participating “semi-intelligently or tactfully” in foreign efforts to interfere in Canadian politics. The edition was announced and raised eyebrows.
This clear but ambiguous claim raised concerns that members of Congress who were knowingly involved in the interference may still be politically active.
The commission’s latest hearings are examining federal agencies’ ability to identify and counter foreign interference.
The final report is expected to be submitted by the end of the year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 27, 2024.