Source: BBC News [UK state media]
“An independent special rapporteur has said that Canada should hold public hearings into foreign interference by China, but stopped short from recommending a formal public inquiry. The advice is in response to claims that China attempted to interfere in Canada’s last two federal elections. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been pressured to launch a formal probe. Chinese officials have previously denied any interference, calling the accusations ‘defamatory.’ The prime minister appointed David Johnston, Canada’s former governor general, in March as special rapporteur to investigate the interference allegations. At a news conference on Tuesday, Mr Johnston said that foreign governments are ‘undoubtedly attempting to influence candidates in Canada.’ However, he said a public inquiry into this influence would not be possible due to the sensitivity of the intelligence involved.” (05/23/23)