Foreign interference inquiry: Chief Canada elections officer testifies

In Ottawa, the inquiry into foreign interference zeroed in on the nomination process of political candidates. The head of Elections Canada said there are few rules that govern how parties select candidates in individual ridings, and the inquiry heard of at least one case where foreign actors took advantage of that lack of oversight. David Aiken is following the proceedings. David Well, Donna there’s lots of rules about elections in Canada, but party nomination contest those fall almost entirely outside of election law. Beyond. Some restrictions around the financing. We have no rules and there are no rules in the ACT regarding the manner in which and who participates in nomination contests, Canada’s chief electoral officer, Stephen Perot, said. There is little his office or any authority could do about problems with nomination races, and as other witnesses testified, that makes them vulnerable to foreign influence. It’s very easy to manipulate, right? It’s very easy to mobilize. It’s very easy to give cash to candidates. There’s very little oversight on how nominations are done in this country, Perot testified. He was told by Caesars that foreign interference could have occurred in a nomination contest. 2019 in the Toronto area riding of Dawn Valley, N but for legal reasons, Perot could not say which party it involved. I’m not authorized to speak beyond what is in this public statement, but Global News reported last year that national security sources were convinced it was the Liberal nomination race in 2019 and that state actors from China were involved. That nomination was won by Han Dong, who became the MP and now sits as an independent. Dong has rejected any allegations the Chinese helped him. He was not at Thursday’s hearing, but his lawyer was, and his lawyer had no questions for Perot. Justin Trudeau, the Liberal leader, was asked about Perot’s testimony but avoided speaking specifically about the nomination race. We can reassure Canadians. That the integrity of our elections was not compromised despite attempts. Senior officials from all three major parties will be on the stand next week at this inquiry. Will almost certainly be asked about subjecting their nomination contests to more oversight and more public scrutiny. Donna. All right, David in Ottawa, thank you.