NDP leader says he's more alarmed after reading unredacted intelligence report
Singh's office says leader's comments should not be taken as confirming or denying if current MPs are involved
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said Thursday he's "more convinced than ever" that some parliamentarians are "willing participants" in foreign states' efforts to interfere in Canadian politics after reading an unredacted version of a bombshell report from one of Canada's intelligence oversight bodies.
But after a raucous half-hour scrum with reporters, he would not confirm whether he was referring to serving MPs.
Last week, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), a cross-party committee of MPs and senators with top security clearances, released a heavily blacked-out document alleging, based on intelligence, that some parliamentarians have been "semi-witting or witting" participants in the efforts of foreign states to interfere in Canadian politics.
"I am more alarmed today than I was yesterday after having read the report," Singh told reporters Thursday afternoon.
"In short, there are a number of MPs who have knowingly provided help to foreign governments, some to the detriment of Canada and Canadians."
A party spokesperson later said that Singh's comments should not be taken as confirming or denying that the parliamentarians cited in the report are currently serving.
Singh told reporters some of the cases he read about appear to be criminal and should be prosecuted, and all of the behaviour cited in the report was "deeply unethical."
"I am more convinced than ever of the conclusions of the NSICOP committee and the report, that some parliamentarians are willing participants in the efforts of foreign states to interfere in our politics," he said.
The NDP leader also confirmed that he was a target of foreign interference but would not elaborate on what the report had to say. Singh also said there are also politicians from all levels of government who have benefited from foreign interference.
May said she was 'relieved' reading the report
Singh's statements on the report were very different from those Green Party Leader Elizabeth May gave earlier this week after reading the unredacted report.
During a news conference Tuesday, May said she doesn't believe any of her House of Commons colleagues knowingly betrayed their country.
"I am very comfortable sitting with my colleagues," she said.
"Are there currently MPs sitting with us in the chamber who would set out knowingly to sell out Canada for personal benefit? If there are, there's no evidence of that in the full report."
While May said she was "relieved" after reading the report, she added the report points to troubling cases of foreign interference across different levels of government and civil society.
May said the most troubling case in NSICOP's report involved a former MP who maintained a relationship with a foreign intelligence officer. She also said some MPs may be compromised" because they were "beneficiaries of foreign governments interfering in nomination contests."
"Saying that I'm relieved does not mean that there is nothing to see here folks. There are clearly threats to Canadian democracy from foreign governments," she said.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet said Tuesday he's inquired about getting security clearance to view the report.
Singh says report has troubling details about Conservative Party
That would make Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre the only major party leader to refuse to obtain the necessary security clearance to read the report.
Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong defended Poilievre's decision Thursday after testifying before a Senate committee.
"The leader would not be able to divulge this information to anyone else and therefore would not be able to act on this information," said the MP, who was himself a target of Beijing's foreign interference.
"At the end of the day, if members of the House of Commons are knowingly and wittingly assisting foreign states to the detriment of Canada's national interest, to the detriment of the people of Canada, then those individuals need to be held accountable. That's not up for party leaders to decide expulsion."
The redacted NSICOP report said foreign actors from India and the People's Republic of China interfered in more than one race for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada.
The public report does not provide any further information about the nature of the alleged interference, or state which Conservative leadership races were allegedly targeted and when.
Singh said Poilievre doesn't want to read a report that contains "serious allegations touching his party."
"To me, that disqualifies him as a leader, and I do not buy his phoney excuses," he said.
"It is clear that both of them, Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre, want to protect their party rather than defending the country.
NDP
Leader Jagmeet Singh said both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and
Conservative Leaving Pierre Poilievre " want to protect their party
rather than defending the country." (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
Singh previously told reporters that if the full report showed New Democrat MPs knowingly took part in benefiting another country to Canada's detriment, he would remove them from caucus.
He suggested Thursday that would not have to happen.
The NSICOP report called the Liberal government's response to the known threat of foreign interference "a serious failure ... from which Canada may feel the consequences for years to come."
"The prime minister has had access to intelligence that raises concerns about MPs ... knowingly benefiting from foreign interference," said Singh.
"He may disagree with that intelligence, but I believe he has not taken the steps he should have to deal with this."
Intelligence commissioner says he worries about loose talk
During a Senate committee Thursday morning, Canada's Intelligence Commissioner Simon Noël testified that he has concerns about the public conversation on classified information.
"The more we speak publicly on national security and disclose information without knowing it, you know who's listening more? People on St. Patrick Street and Charlotte Street," he said, referring to the Chinese and Russian embassies in Ottawa.
"If you say, 'I don't have any problem, having read the NSICOP report,' are you telling them, somebody who knows more on the other side, 'Oh, we got this going, that means they haven't caught that.'"
As intelligence commissioner, Noël's job is to approve or disallow certain activities planned by the Communications Security Establishment and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service that would involve breaking the law in Canada or another country, or that would interfere with the privacy interests of Canadians.
"Let's move on," he said. "The system is not broken."
Earlier this week, the House of Commons voted overwhelmingly in favour of a Bloc Quebecois motion to expand the mandate of the public inquiry investigating foreign election interference to allow it to investigate the claims in the NSICOP report concerning MPs and senators.
A spokesperson for Marie-Josee Hogue, who is overseeing the public inquiry investigating allegations of election meddling, said she is "honoured by the confidence expressed towards the commission."
Trudeau and his government have come under pressure to release the names of the parliamentarians in the unredacted NSICOP report.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc has argued releasing classified intelligence could expose CSIS methods, put sources at risk and jeopardize relationships with allies, who share their intelligence with Canada on the condition that it not be made public.
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NDP Leader Singh is “more alarmed” after reading the NSICOP report: political panel – June 13, 2024
Green Leader Elizabeth May says there's no list of disloyal current MPs in unredacted NSICOP report
May says she was 'relieved' after reading top-secret information
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May says she's read the original version of a highly-publicized intelligence watchdog's report on foreign interference and she doesn't believe any of her House of Commons colleagues knowingly betrayed their country.
"There is no list of MPs who have shown disloyalty to Canada," she said. "I am vastly relieved."
Last week, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), a cross-party committee of MPs and senators with top security clearances, released a heavily redacted document alleging some parliamentarians have actively helped foreign governments meddle in Canadian politics.
The report said some Parliamentarians are, in the words of the intelligence services, "semi-witting or witting participants in the efforts of foreign states to interfere in our politics."
May has a top security clearance allowing her to see classified intelligence and was granted access to the unredacted version of NSICOP Monday night. She said reactions to the report since it was tabled last week have triggered a "totally understandable media firestorm, which in my view is overblown."
May described the contents of the report as "not as bad as a John le Carré novel but a bit more worrying than Miss Marple."
"So I am very glad I read the full report. I am very comfortable sitting with my colleagues," said the veteran parliamentarian.
The redacted NSICOP report described what it called "particularly concerning" behaviour by some parliamentarians.
For example, the report said some elected officials "began wittingly assisting foreign state actors soon after their election." The report said unnamed members of Parliament worked to influence their colleagues on India's behalf and proactively provided confidential information to Indian officials.
May said that case study involved people not currently serving in Parliament.
"You couldn't find a single name of a single member of Parliament currently serving who had significance intelligence, or any intelligence or any suggestion in the unredacted report that they had put the interest of a foreign government ahead of Canada's," she later told CBC"s Power & Politics.
May, who told reporters that she had to tread carefully to avoid disclosing classified information, said the report lists the names of less than a handful of MPs who may have been compromised by foreign governments.
"They have been beneficiaries of foreign governments interfering in nomination contests," she said.
"Saying that I'm relieved does not mean that there is nothing to see here folks. There are clearly threats to Canadian democracy from foreign governments."
She also said she did not read any specific reference to the Senate in the report.
May said the most troubling case in NSICOP's report involved a former MP who maintained a relationship with a foreign intelligence officer.
The report says that, according to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), the MP "sought to arrange a meeting in a foreign state with a senior intelligence official and also proactively provided the intelligence officer with information provided in confidence."
May said that person, who was not named in the unredacted report, should be fully investigated by police.
The RCMP has said it is probing cases involving foreign interference but would not say whether it's investigating parliamentarians.
May calls Bloc motion 'a hot potato in the wrong soup pot'
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who also has a top security clearance, is expected to read the report Wednesday. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet said Tuesday he's inquired about getting cleared to view the report.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has not sought clearance to review classified intelligence. He has argued that doing so would prevent him from commenting publicly.
"Elizabeth May took on her responsibilities as party leader, got her security clearance and did the work," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday.
"Mr. Poilievre should do that too. He is choosing ignorance so he can play partisan politics."
The Bloc Québécois introduced a motion to expand the mandate of the public inquiry investigating foreign election interference to allow it to investigate the claims in the NSICOP report concerning MPs and senators. It passed with almost unanimous support Tuesday.
May said she was going to vote in favour of the motion but, after reading the report, changed her mind.
"I think the Bloc motion is its throwing a hot potato in the wrong soup pot," she said Tuesday.
"Throw it to Justice Hogue, that's not good enough. We're members of Parliament we should be able to — and especially those of us who have the clearance to read the report — should be able to read it, consider it, and start fortifying our own defences against foreign interference."
A spokesperson for Hogue said she is "honoured by the confidence expressed towards the commission."
"She will soon issue a notice to the public regarding the parameters of the commission's mandate and the next stage of its work," said spokesperson Michael Tansey.
Prime Minister Trudeau and his government have come under pressure to release the names of parliamentarians in the unredacted NSICOP report.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc has argued releasing classified intelligence could expose CSIS methods, put sources at risk and jeopardize relationships with allies, who share their intelligence with Canada on the condition that it not be made public.
"We've gone barking up the wrong tree ... there is no list," said May.
"Let's keep our eye on the ball. The ball is what are foreign governments trying to do in Canada."
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Elizabeth May shares her findings of NSICOP foreign interference report – June 11, 2024
Liberals support push to have public inquiry probe claims that parliamentarians helped foreign states
NSICOP report suggests some MPs have helped foreign actors like China and India meddle in Canadian politics
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc says the federal government will support calls to have the public inquiry probing foreign election interference take on shocking new claims that some parliamentarians have "wittingly" conspired with foreign governments.
But the minister suggested commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue would be legally prevented from revealing names.
Last week, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), a cross-party committee of MPs and senators with top security clearances, released a heavily redacted document alleging some parliamentarians have actively helped foreign governments like China and India meddle in Canadian politics.
The bombshell accusations have rattled the House of Commons and touched off a fiery debate about whether, and how, the names of the accused parliamentarians should be released.
LeBlanc said the Liberals will support a Bloc Québécois motion that calls for expanding the Hogue commission's mandate to allow it to investigate MPs and senators when it comes up for a vote.
During question period Monday, LeBlanc said Privy Council officials are already in contact with Hogue's team to discuss the best way forward. The minister said the commission would have access to the same documents NSICOP members saw.
LeBlanc remained firm, however, in the face of calls to release the names of MPs and other parliamentarians cited in the report.
"We think that's a responsible way to proceed, not simply standing up and illegally announcing a list of names like my colleague suggests," he said during question period.
"I asked the Deputy Commissioner of the RCMP Mark Flynn this morning what would happen if I announced the list of names like my colleagues are asking me to do, and he said I would be subject to criminal prosecution. So guess what, Mr. Speaker? I'm not going to do that."
When asked if Hogue would be able to name names, LeBlanc said the opinion the government has received indicates that releasing the names would be a violation of the Security of Information Act.
"I would not want a justice of the court of Quebec to do something illegal," he told reporters in French.
"I have full confidence in the Hogue commission that if they have access to all the documents, and if in their independent judgment they decided to enlighten people with respect to what is legally possible, fine."
The RCMP has said it is probing cases involving foreign interference but would not say whether it's investigating parliamentarians.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said he also wants Hogue to review another allegation tucked into the NSICOP report — that foreign actors from India and the People's Republic of China allegedly interfered in more than one race for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada.
"The extent to which a foreign government was involved in the selection of the leader of the Conservative party, that is something Canadians ought to know," he said during a news conference Thursday.
"So we're demanding a solution."
NDP, Green Party waiting for briefing
Singh, who has a top security clearance, has asked for a briefing on the NSICOP report. When asked if he would name MPs on the floor of the House of Commons, Singh said he'd remove an MP from his party's caucus if there's evidence that they colluded with a foreign government.
"If it's clear that they knowingly worked with a foreign government to undermine Canada, I will immediately remove them from caucus. There's no way I'd allow them to run as a candidate or sit in my caucus if they are named and they knowingly worked with a foreign government to undermine our country," he said.
"I hope other party leaders will do the same thing."
Green Party Elizabeth May also has asked for a briefing as soon as possible.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has not obtained clearance to review classified intelligence. He has argued doing so would prevent him from commenting publicly.
Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer wrote to LeBlanc and Hogue on Sunday asking for her inquiry to review NSICOP's report and issue findings of fact on whether current or former MPs or senators have knowingly participated in "foreign interference."
"Canadians deserve to know if federal parliamentarians have knowingly engaged in activities on behalf of foreign governments that have undermined Canada's national interest," he wrote.
Last week's report said NSICOP members viewed intelligence suggesting MPs worked to influence their colleagues on India's behalf and proactively provided confidential information to Indian government officials.
In one case cited in the report — based on Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) information shared with NSICOP — a then-member of Parliament maintained a relationship with a foreign intelligence officer. The officer's country of origin was not included in the public report.
Last month, the public inquiry investigating foreign interference reported that attempts by other countries to meddle in the 2019 and 2021 general elections did not determine which party formed the government.
"Nonetheless, the acts of interference that occurred are a stain on our electoral process and impacted the process leading up to the actual vote," Hogue wrote in her initial report.
Her final report is due December.
LeBlanc said the government will work with the commission if it says it needs any changes to its terms of reference, including changes to its deadlines.
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MPs support broadening the mandate of the public inquiry into foreign interference – June 10, 2024
The West Block – Episode 39, Season 13
THE WEST BLOCK
Episode 39, Season 13
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Host: Mercedes Stephenson
Guests:
Garry Clement, Former RCMP Superintendent
Thomas Juneau, University of Ottawa
Oleksandra Matviichuk, Chair, Centre for Civil Liberties in Ukraine
Location:
Ottawa Studio
Mercedes Stephenson: It’s a massive security threat and it’s coming from inside the House of Commons.
I’m Mercedes Stephenson. The West Block starts now.
Frank Caputo, Conservative MP: “This places a cloud of suspicion over every single member of the House.”
Mercedes Stephenson: As a report reveals some unnamed parliamentarians knowingly helped foreign states meddle in Canadian politics, those members could still be sitting in the House and Senate, and they could still be working with hostile foreign governments. We dig into the conflicting reports on how it could be dealt with.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “We’ve done just incredible work.”
Mercedes Stephenson: And we sit down with a compelling Nobel Peace Prize laureate who is fighting for the rights of kidnapped Ukrainian children.
It’s the latest report on foreign interference and it is by far the most explosive.
Mercedes Stephenson: Coming up, the double standard between journalists and parliamentarians when it comes to national security.
Mercedes Stephenson: Now for one last thing…
Allegations that Canadian politicians have been colluding with foreign states to influence and even share information that’s harmful to Canada shocked the country last week. Journalists need to press for answers. Who? What? When? Why? And what does it all mean?
Given that, I thought it would be worth pulling back the curtain a little bit on some of the challenges that journalists contend with on national security reporting, namely something called the Security of Information Act (SOIA). It can be used to charge reporters and to threaten our sources.
Introduced after 9/11, SOIA as it’s better known, was designed to stop espionage and foreign threats, but it also looms large over journalists. Reporting classified documents or information, even if it is in the public interest, could land reporters in jail.
I’ve had national security sources warn me about discussions they’ve witnessed when angry senior officials wondered if my reporting might contain information that police could arrest me over.
Even outside of the Act, there’s a culture of weak source protection in Canada and intimidation. Military police have hounded and grilled people they believe are my sources.
National security investigations have been launched, including over who leaked the information to me that China was harassing Canadian Air Force crews over the Pacific, and a crown attorney once threatened to designate me as a federal material witness at trial to obtain my notes, phone recordings, and force the disclosure of a confidential source.
It all creates an interesting double standard when we hear that the laws in the books may not be enough to prosecute parliamentarians who engaged in deeply unethical behaviour.
That’s our show for today, and we’ll see you here next Sunday.
Liberals refuse to say if current Cabinet ministers named in foreign interference report
Reporters chase Freeland after questions avoided on politicians named in foreign interference report
Global News "Shocking": Conservatives demand Liberals identify MPs named in NSICOP foreign interference report
Global News From: LeBlanc, Dominic - député <dominic.leblanc@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: The NSICOP Report causes me to wonder David McGuinty recalls our email exchange January 15 2016
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
(English follows)
Bonjour,
Nous
accusons réception de votre courriel adressé à L’honorable Dominic
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Date: Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: The NSICOP Report causes me to wonder David McGuinty recalls our email exchange January 15 2016
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thanks very much for getting in touch with me!
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Date: Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 4:39 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: The NSICOP Report causes me to wonder David McGuinty recalls our email exchange January 15 2016
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Sent from the office of Alistair MacGregor, MP
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From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Jun 9, 2024 at 4:37 PM
Subject: Re: The NSICOP Report causes me to wonder David McGuinty recalls our email exchange January 15 2016
To: <david.mcguinty@parl.gc.ca>, dominic.leblanc <dominic.leblanc@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, Katie.Telford <Katie.Telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>, Mitton, Megan (LEG) <megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, rob.moore <rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, Jason Lavigne <jason@yellowhead.vote>, Ezra <Ezra@therebel.media>, <DerekRants9595@gmail.com>, ragingdissident <ragingdissident@protonmail.com>, <michael.chong@parl.gc.ca>, Alistair.MacGregor <Alistair.MacGregor@parl.gc.ca>, <jennifer.oconnell@parl.gc.ca>
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Will identities from foreign interference report be released? | CTV's Question Period
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Conservative leader calls on Liberal government to release names of MPs accused of helping foreign states
NSICOP chair said committee's hands are tied on naming MPs accused of aiding foreign states
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says that Canadians have a right to know the names of the MPs accused in an explosive new intelligence report of "wittingly" working on behalf of foreign state actors.
On Monday, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), a cross-party committee of MPs and senators with top security clearances, released a heavily redacted document alleging some parliamentarians have actively helped foreign governments like China and India meddle in Canadian politics.
"The national security committee indicates there are members of this House who have knowingly worked for foreign hostile governments. Canadians have a right to know who and what is the information," Poilievre said during question period Wednesday. "Who are they?"
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose portfolio includes both the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the RCMP, said in response that it would be inappropriate to release the names of MPs under suspicion.
Poilievre calls on government to name MPs linked to foreign collusion by intelligence report
"The leader of the opposition knows very well no government, including the government [of] which he was a member, is going to discuss particularities of intelligence information publicly. So he knows better than that," he said.
He did suggest that Poilievre go through the process of obtaining a security clearance so he can review the confidential information cited in the report.
"He would be much more informed than he is now and we would invite him to do so, so he wouldn't stand up and cast aspersions on the floor of the House of Commons without any information whatsoever," LeBlanc said.
LeBlanc has cast some doubt already on some of the report's findings, and has suggested it left out important context.
"The government's concerns centre around the interpretation of intelligence reports, which lacked the necessary caveats inherent to intelligence, as well as the lack of acknowledgement of the full breadth of outreach that has been done with respect to informing parliamentarians about the threat posed by foreign interference," he said the day the report was released.
NSICOP chair says it's up to the RCMP to probe allegations
The NSICOP report has sparked a fierce debate about the soundness of its intelligence and whether voters have a right to know whether their MP has been accused of working for another state.
Facing a barrage of questions Wednesday morning before a Liberal caucus meeting, NSICOP chair David McGuinty repeatedly told reporters that he and other members of the committee have taken an oath of secrecy and can't divulge the names or any material behind the report's redactions.
"Look, the committee's hands are tied. We can only release what we release," he said.
"The members have always wanted to be more transparent, rather than less. We have gone as far as we can in this review to reveal information without being in breach of the Security of Information Act."
NSICOP chair explains why he can't name parliamentarians cited in foreign interference report
McGuinty said it's up to the RCMP to decide what happens next.
"The question of whether or not this issue is followed up on is a question rightly put to the RCMP," he said.
"It's up to the RCMP to decide, on the basis of any intelligence or evidence they may have in their possession, whether they're going to take steps or not."
In a statement issued to CBC News, the RCMP said it can confirm there are "investigations into a broad range of foreign interference in Canada."
"The RCMP will not provide comment [on] whether there is an active criminal investigation into any parliamentarian," said the statement.
"The RCMP must exercise significant caution with respect to public statements related to ongoing investigations. An RCMP confirmation of such an investigation has the potential to cause damage to reputations prior to meeting an appropriate level of proof, or to interfere with an ongoing investigation."
The statement said the RCMP did not receive information regarding all the matters contained in the report, but the Mounties said they were aware "of the broad range of work being done by partners."
"Challenges do exist, including the use of intelligence as evidence, that limit the sharing of information for criminal investigations," the statement said.
"The RCMP and national security partners meet regularly to discuss threats and to ensure there is a level of awareness of each organization's activity, even though specific details are not always shared."
Hard to prosecute on intelligence: McGuinty
Monday's report said NSICOP members viewed intelligence suggesting MPs worked to influence their colleagues on India's behalf and proactively provided confidential information to Indian officials.
In another case cited in the report — based on Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) information shared with NSICOP — a then-member of Parliament maintained a relationship with a foreign intelligence officer. The officer's country of origin was not included in the public report.
NSICOP said some of the cases of foreign interference they examined might have involved illegal activity but are unlikely to end in criminal charges "owing to Canada's failure to address the long-standing issue of protecting classified information and methods in judicial processes."
McGuinty acknowledged police have struggled to secure charges based on intelligence.
"It's difficult to get intelligence in the broad daylight of a courtroom because it speaks to the protection of sources and methods," he said.
"Look, this is a big issue for intelligence law enforcement folks who have been asking for some improvement in this area."
The use of intelligence as evidence has been a long-standing point of contention between Canada's security agencies, the police and the courts.
The "intelligence to evidence" dilemma involves striking a balance between the need to shield sensitive intelligence and law enforcement's use of that information, while protecting an accused's right to a fair trial.
Waning RCMP resources
A 2021 report by the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA), the country's civilian intelligence oversight body, said flaws in the way Canada's spy agency and the national police force share information have stalled investigations.
The report said CSIS is under pressure to safeguard operational information — its tactics, methods, where its spies are located. The RCMP is also reluctant to use CSIS's information because it fears the service's involvement could jeopardize the chances of a successful prosecution, said the report.
As a result, NSIRA said, the RCMP's investigations are progressing slowly while CSIS sits on a "trove of intelligence."
While NSICOP has access to reams of classified intelligence and can interview senior players, it is prevented from seeing information relating directly to an ongoing investigation by a law enforcement agency.
Public safety minister grilled on parliamentarians allegedly involved in foreign interference
"For this reason, the committee was unable to discern a clear picture of the investigations that may have been underway in the time period under review," said the committee's report.
Members did hear from the RCMP that it set up a a foreign actor interference team in 2020 to coordinate and oversee its foreign interference investigations. But the report said the RCMP was unable to tell NSICOP exactly how many foreign interference investigations it had undertaken over the review period.
"The unit was established using resources from other national security priorities and the RCMP advised the committee that it will be unsustainable without new resources," said the NSICOP report.
"No charges have been laid in respect of foreign interference in democratic processes and institutions."
Should names of MPs accused of working on behalf of foreign governments be released?
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who received a security clearance to review foreign-interference materials prepared by former governor general David Johnston last year, said he's asked for a classified briefing to make sure NDP MPs were not involved.
He also said Wednesday it's disturbing that the prime minister has had NSICOP's unredacted report since March and hasn't acted.
"How can it be that there are members of Parliament, potentially ones sitting in this chamber now, that have knowingly worked with a foreign government to interfere with our democracy and no additional steps are taken? That is wrong," he said.
"I'm concerned about democracy, I'm concerned about Canadians, I'm concerned about all the diaspora communities that have said for so long they're worried about being threatened by foreign governments."
On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said the Liberal Party would be doing an "internal followup." She did not explain what that meant or state whether any Liberal MP who is accused would be allowed to remain in caucus.
The government has pointed to a recently introduced bill that aims to curb foreign interference in Canadian affairs, from school board elections to the House of Commons and Senate.
Bill C-70, tabled in the House of Commons early last month includes, a host of measures meant to deter and punish foreign interference, including new Criminal Code offences.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Reporter
Catharine Tunney is a reporter with CBC's Parliament Hill bureau, where she covers national security and the RCMP. She worked previously for CBC in Nova Scotia. You can reach her at catharine.tunney@cbc.ca
Proxies and 'media manipulation': What the NSICOP report said about political meddling by India
India is seeking to exert 'influence across all orders of government' in Canada, report says
Nine months after the prime minister accused India of involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen, a damning new report has concluded that country is the second biggest foreign threat to Canadian democracy after China.
The report released this week by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), a cross-party group of MPs and senators with top security clearances, mentions India 44 times in its 84 pages.
It alleges India is "interfering in Canadian democratic processes and institutions, including through the targeting of Canadian politicians, ethnic media and Indo-Canadian ethnocultural communities."
Stephanie Carvin, an associate professor at Carleton University and a former national security analyst, told CBC News India has been targeting diaspora communities in Canada for decades.
But the NSICOP report has added something new by describing attempts to interfere in Canada's democratic institutions "in the starkest terms we've ever seen," she said.
The report says that while India's foreign interference efforts are not as widespread as those of the People's Republic of China, they are "of significant concern."
"India seeks to cultivate relationships with a variety of witting and unwitting individuals across Canadian society with the intent of inappropriately exerting India's influence across all orders of government, particularly to stifle or discredit criticism of the Government of India," says the report.
The use of proxies
The heavily redacted NSICOP document repeatedly cites intelligence reports alleging "foreign actors" used "Canadians as proxies who act at their behest, creating a separation between the threat activity and the foreign actor."
"India has an active proxy, who has proactively looked for ways to further India's interests by monitoring and attempting to influence politicians," the report alleges.
While much of the report was redacted — blacked out — before it was published this week, the attached notes explaining those redactions offer details of India's alleged use of proxies.
One note says CSIS has information indicating an Indian proxy claimed to have "repeatedly transferred funds from India to politicians at all levels of government in return for political favours, including raising issues in Parliament."
Another note says India likely reimbursed "a proxy who had provided funds to candidates of two federal parties." NSICOP said the CSIS assessment of those incidents makes it clear the candidates were not aware the funds came from India.
'Media manipulation'
The report says "some elected officials, however, began wittingly assisting foreign state actors soon after their election."
Specific references describing the actions of those officials were redacted, but notes explaining the missing material say the committee has seen "specific examples of members of Parliament who worked to influence their colleagues on India's behalf."
The notes say that some MPs "proactively provided confidential information to Indian officials."
The report also explains how China used WeChat, a Chinese social media platform, to spread "misleading narratives" about Conservative MP Michael Chong.
"India also demonstrated the intent and capability to engage in this type of foreign interference through media manipulation," the report said.
Notes related to this allegation say that three sentences were removed from the report because they contained "injurious or privileged information."
"The sentences described an example of efforts to discredit a political party leader using materials drafted by Indian intelligence organizations," the report said.
Another note describes how India has built a network of contacts "through whom it conducts interference activities, inducing journalists" and members of "ethnocultural communities."
"India has two extremely good intelligence services and they view Canada as a threat," said Carvin. "They know what they're doing. They've been building this up over time, cultivating relationships across Canadian institutions and we see that in this report."
Carvin said India views Canada as the "heart of the Khalistan independence movement," which campaigns for an independent Sikh homeland in northern India.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 45, who was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Surrey, B.C., in June of last year, was a leader in Canada's Sikh diaspora and had been active in a group pushing for an independent Khalistan.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told the House of Commons last fall that Canadian security agencies are looking into "credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the government of India" and Nijjar's death.
Four men have now been charged in that killing.
The NSICOP report says that while India traditionally has focused on the Khalistan movement in Canada, its interest is broadening.
"It became clear during the period of this review that [India's] efforts had extended beyond countering what it perceived as pro-Khalistani efforts in Canada to include interfering in Canadian democratic processes and institutions," the report says.
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Government won't commit to releasing names of MPs who allegedly conspired with foreign actors
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says Liberals will conduct an 'internal followup' on meddling claims
Senior cabinet ministers wouldn't say Tuesday if the government is prepared to release the names of parliamentarians who are alleged to have conspired with foreign governments and to have consciously shared sensitive information with their agents — conduct that one expert says could amount to treason.
There may still be police investigations into these allegations, the ministers said, and details could eventually be released as part of that process.
But that raises the question of whether the voting public will know who's alleged to have engaged in such conduct before the next federal election, which is expected sometime in 2025.
The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), a cross-party group of MPs and senators with top security clearances, released a report Monday that paints a troubling picture of what some unnamed parliamentarians are said to have done to undermine Canadian democracy and benefit the interests of a foreign state.
The report was compiled after committee members reviewed information and intelligence gathered by ten federal bodies, including the RCMP, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), the Department of Justice and Elections Canada. It claims some unnamed parliamentarians — MPs and/or senators — failed in their duty to conduct themselves in the best interests of the country.
David
McGuinty, chair of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of
Parlmentarians, holds a news conference to release the committee's
annual report in Ottawa on Thursday, March 12, 2020. (Fred Chartrand/The Canadian Press)
The committee said an unknown number of parliamentarians inappropriately communicated with foreign missions ahead of a political campaign and accepted money from foreign governments or their proxies.
Unnamed parliamentarians also provided foreign diplomatic officials with "privileged information on the work or opinions of fellow parliamentarians," knowing that the information could be used to manipulate some other MPs and senators, the report said.
Certain parliamentarians also responded to requests from foreign actors to "improperly influence parliamentary colleagues" to benefit another country, and disclosed confidential government information to "a known intelligence officer or foreign state," the committee said in its report, which was heavily redacted.
The names of the alleged parliamentary conspirators are blanked out in the report. They've been replaced with the words, "This paragraph was revised to remove injurious or privileged information."
Under the law that governs NSICOP, the prime minister can direct the committee to submit a "revised version" of any of its reports that leaves out information that could be seen as "injurious" to national security, defence and international relations, or that is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
The committee wrote in its report that, after submitting the initial draft version of this study to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March, some information "which the prime minister believed would be injurious" was stripped out of the report released to the public.
It's not clear what information was left out at the prime minister's request.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters Tuesday the government takes the threat of foreign political interference "very seriously" and said the country can't be "naive" about authoritarian governments seeking to undermine our democracy.
When asked if she could guarantee that the Liberals will eject from their caucus any parliamentarian found to have engaged in the activities cited in the report, Freeland would not make that commitment.
"The guarantee I can give to Canadians is our government takes foreign interference very, very seriously," she said. She pointed to new government legislation, Bill C-70, that would create a foreign agent registry to compel people working on behalf of foreign governments to report their dealings.
Pressed to say if she thinks Canadians should know who is supposedly working to undermine the country before the next election, Freeland said she trusts police to do their work.
As for the Liberal Party, Freeland said in French the allegations of foreign interference are "a matter of national interest of national security and as a political party we will do an internal followup."
It wasn't immediately clear what form this "internal followup" will take.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc sidestepped a question about the report's conclusion that certain unnamed parliamentarians inappropriately worked with foreign actors.
"I think as a matter of principle, it's unwise to speak about specific elements that may involve individuals," LeBlanc said.
He also said the "government respectfully disagrees" with some of NSICOP's findings, without offering any specific concerns about what the committee found.
The federal Liberal government created NSICOP. The federal cabinet, based on the prime minister's recommendations, names its members, who are given security clearances to review the country's most sensitive information.
Rather than call a public inquiry into the matter of foreign interference, the government tasked NSICOP and a former judge with investigating claims of meddling.
"The government's concerns centre around the interpretation of intelligence reports which lack the necessary caveats inherent to intelligence," LeBlanc said of NSICOP.
'Textbook treason'
Wesley Wark, one of Canada's foremost experts on national security, said Tuesday the NSCIOP report reveals "underbelly stories" that are "nausea-inducing."
He cited one account in the report that said an unnamed MP consorted with a foreign intelligence officer, sought to arrange an overseas meeting and "provided the intelligence officer with information provided in confidence." Wark called that scenario "textbook treason."
Housing Minister Sean Fraser said he's willing to wait to learn the names of the alleged foreign conspirators.
"The obvious potential reputational damage a person might suffer if there's another side of the story, that must be considered. Those are all factors that will give me some cause to take it seriously and be patient to make sure we get this right," Fraser said.
He said Canadians can learn about who's alleged to have engaged in these activities if there's a police investigation that produces criminal charges.
Justice Minister Arif Virani said the government is concerned about the issue of foreign meddling and is taking action.
He said NSICOP's findings should be troubling "for all of us, regardless of caucus or party."
Indeed, the committee also found that foreign actors from India and the People's Republic of China allegedly interfered in more than one race for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada — claims the party said Monday it wasn't aware of before the NSCIOP report was released.
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said it should be up to NSICOP to make recommendations on "the next steps" to deal with parliamentarians allegedly helping foreign states.
"People need to have confidence that everyone here is acting in the best interest of the nation," Champagne said.
The NSICOP report described the conduct of some parliamentarians as potentially "illegal" but said it's "unlikely to lead to criminal charges, owing to Canada's failure to address the long-standing issue of protecting classified information and methods of judicial processes."
"Regardless, all the behaviours are deeply unethical and, the Committee would submit, contrary to the oaths and affirmations Parliamentarians take to conduct themselves in the best interest of Canada," the report said.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said it's "very serious" and "very, very, very disappointing" to learn that some MPs allegedly worked on behalf of a foreign government.
"If there's any evidence that somebody knowingly worked with a foreign government to influence our democracy, they should no longer be a member of Parliament," Singh said.
He said the intelligence gathered for this NSICOP report should be probed by police.
"If this intelligence is true, this is deeply concerning, very serious, and we have to see next steps taken," he said. "A follow-up on this is very vital."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
It’d be 'treason' if MPs conspired with foreign governments: security expert | Power & Politics
CBC News Date: Mon, Jun 3, 2024 at 8:39 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: The NSICOP Report causes me to wonder David McGuinty recalls our email exchange January 15 2016
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
(English follows)
Bonjour,
Nous
accusons réception de votre courriel adressé à L’honorable Dominic
LeBlanc, cp, cr, député de Beauséjour et nous vous en remercions.
Veuillez noter que nous recevons actuellement un volume élevé de correspondances. Veuillez prévoir un délai dans nos réponses.
En ce qui concerne les courriels relativement à des enjeux particuliers de nos commettants de Beauséjour, nous allons nous assurer de bien réviser votre message et un employé de notre bureau de circonscription communiquera avec vous si nécessaire. Si vous avez des questions ou vous désirez des clarifications, vous pouvez toujours communiquer avec notre bureau au numéro de téléphone suivant : (506) 533-5700.
Si vous écrivez à propos de sujets relatifs aux fonctions de sécurité publique du
ministre LeBlanc, veuillez communiquer avec notre département de Sécurité publique à ps.ministerofpublicsafety-
Pour toutes demandes des médias, veuillez contacter Kelly Ouimet à Kelly.Ouimet@iga-aig.gc.ca
Merci et bonne journée.
Bureau de L’hon. Dominic LeBlanc, cp, cr, député
Député de Beauséjour
------------------------------
Hello,
We acknowledge receipt and thank you for your email addressed to the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., K.C., M.P. for Beauséjour.
Please note that we are currently receiving a high volume of correspondence. This may mean a delay in our responding to you.
For emails related to specific issues from our constituents in Beauséjour, we will make sure to review your message and an employee from our constituency office will be in contact with you if necessary. If you have any questions or require clarification, you can always contact our office at the following phone number: (506) 533-5700.
If you are writing with respect to Minister LeBlanc's public safety duties, please
direct your correspondence to our Public Safety department at ps.ministerofpublicsafety-
Thank you and have a good day.
Office of the Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., K.C., M.P.
Member of Parliament for Beauséjour
---------- Original message ---------
From: Moore, Rob - M.P. <Rob.Moore@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Mon, Jun 3, 2024 at 8:39 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: The NSICOP Report causes me to wonder David McGuinty recalls our email exchange January 15 2016
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Thank you for contacting the Honourable Rob Moore, P.C., M.P. office. We appreciate the time you took to get in touch with our office.
If you did not already, please ensure to include your full contact details on your email and the appropriate staff will be able to action your request. We strive to ensure all constituent correspondence is responded to in a timely manner.
If your question or concern is time sensitive, please call our office: 506-832-4200.
Again, we thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore, P.C., M.P.
Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6410708
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Jun 3, 2024 at 8:38 PM
Subject: The NSICOP Report causes me to wonder David McGuinty recalls our email exchange January 15 2016
To: <david.mcguinty@parl.gc.ca>, dominic.leblanc <dominic.leblanc@parl.gc.ca>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, Katie.Telford <Katie.Telford@pmo-cpm.gc.ca>, Mitton, Megan (LEG) <megan.mitton@gnb.ca>, rob.moore <rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, Jason Lavigne <jason@yellowhead.vote>, Ezra <Ezra@therebel.media>, <DerekRants9595@gmail.com>, ragingdissident <ragingdissident@protonmail.com>
Cc: catharine.tunney <catharine.tunney@cbc.ca>, Michael.Duheme <Michael.Duheme@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Michelle.Boutin <Michelle.Boutin@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, andrea.anderson-mason <andrea.anderson-mason@gnb.ca>, martin.gaudet <martin.gaudet@fredericton.ca>, Marco.Mendicino <Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca>, Mark.Blakely <Mark.Blakely@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, Jason.Carrier <Jason.Carrier@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>
Some MPs helping foreign actors like China and India meddle in Canadian politics: report
NSICOP report says Trudeau government slow to respond to threat of foreign interference
A shocking new report from one of Canada's intelligence watchdogs says some Parliamentarians are "wittingly" helping foreign governments like China and India meddle in Canadian politics.
The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, which is made up of MPs and senators from across the political spectrum, was asked last year to investigate allegations of foreign interference in Canadian elections.
Their heavily-redacted report, tabled in the House of Commons on Monday, pointed to "particularly concerning" behaviour by some Parliamentarians.
The report said some elected officials "began wittingly assisting foreign state actors soon after their election."
In one case, NSICOP members said they saw intelligence suggesting MPs worked to influence their colleagues on India's behalf and proactively provided confidential information to Indian officials.
In another case cited in the report — based on Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) information shared with NSICOP — a then-member of Parliament maintained a relationship with a foreign intelligence officer. The officers' country of origin was not included in the public report.
According to CSIS, the MP sought to arrange a meeting in a foreign state with a senior intelligence official and also proactively provided the intelligence officer with information provided in confidence, said the report.
The report said China believes it has a quid pro quo relationship with some MPs who will engage with the Chinese Communist Party in exchange for Beijing mobilizing its vast networks in their favour.
NSICOP reported it also saw intelligence suggesting that unnamed parliamentarians:
- Communicated frequently with foreign missions before or during a political campaign to obtain support from community groups or businesses to be mobilized by diplomatic missions;
- Accepted knowingly, or through willful blindness, funds or benefits from foreign missions or their proxies which have been layered or otherwise disguised to conceal their source;
- Provided foreign diplomatic officials with privileged information on the work or opinions of fellow parliamentarians, knowing that such information would be used by those officials to inappropriately pressure parliamentarians to change their positions;
- Responded to the requests or direction of foreign officials to improperly influence parliamentary colleagues or parliamentary business to the advantage of a foreign state; and,
- Provided information learned in confidence from the government to a known intelligence officer of a foreign state.
NSICOP said some of the cases of foreign interference they examined might have involved illegal activity but are unlikely to end in criminal charges "owing to Canada's failure to address the long-standing issue of protecting classified information and methods in judicial processes."
"Regardless, all the behaviours are deeply unethical and, the committee would submit, contrary to the oaths and affirmations parliamentarians take to conduct themselves in the best interest of Canada," says the report.
Trudeau government's slow response 'a serious failure'
The report also takes aim at the Liberal government, which the committee says has known since 2018 about the need to take foreign interference more seriously.
"The slow response to a known threat was a serious failure and one from which Canada may feel the consequences for years to come," it said.
"The implications of this inaction include the undermining of the democratic rights and fundamental freedoms of Canadians, the integrity and credibility of Canada's parliamentary process, and public trust in the policy decisions made by the government."
Monday's report marks the third time NSICOP has reviewed the government's response to threats of foreign interference since 2018 and Prime Miniser Justin Trudeau's trip to India — a point members make known throughout their latest report.
"Given the risks posed by foreign interference to Canada's national security, the committee expected the government to act. It was slow to do so," says the report.
"In the committee's view, this delay contributed in part to the crisis in which the government found itself in late 2022 and early 2023."
The committee says Canada's security and intelligence community has been held back by outmoded tools and legislation.
"Gaps in these areas limited the ability of security and intelligence organizations to act, particularly with respect to sharing information with law enforcement bodies to enable investigations, lay charges or support prosecutions," says the report.
Chair
David McGuinty speaks about the Annual Report of the National Security
and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians during a news conference
in Ottawa, Tuesday April 9, 2019. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)
The report also points out that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has been unable to share "salient information" with players outside the federal government, such as parliamentarians and other orders of government.
"These gaps contribute to a situation in which there are few meaningful deterrents to foreign states and their Canada-based proxies to conduct interference activities," says the report.
Government disagrees with elements of NSICOP report
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said the government will consider NSICOP's findings and recommendations but disagrees with elements of the report.
"The government's concerns centre around the interpretation of intelligence reports, which lacked the necessary caveats inherent to intelligence, as well as the lack of acknowledgement of the full breadth of outreach that has been done with respect to informing parliamentarians about the threat posed by foreign interference," he said Monday afternoon.
The NSICOP report goes on to make six recommendations aimed at the federal government. It calls on Ottawa to update the CSIS Act, to develop consistent definitions and thresholds for action on foreign interference and to start reporting annually on briefings for parliamentarians on foreign interference.
Last month, the federal government introduced Bill C-70, which is aimed at curbing foreign interference in Canadian politics. It would introduce new foreign interference offences, change how CSIS applies for warrants, update the rules on whom CSIS can brief and launch a long-awaited foreign influence transparency registry.
"Canada is only now beginning to see the introduction of additional measures to address foreign interference activities," says NSICOP.
The committee was set up in 2017 to provide parliamentary oversight on Ottawa's intelligence operations, including at CSIS, the RCMP, Global Affairs Canada and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE).
MPs and senators on the committee receive security clearances permitting them to see and hear details of the agencies' highly secret activities.
The committee is made up of three Liberal MPs, two Conservatives, one NDP, one Bloc Québécois member and three senators.
Last month, the public inquiry investigating foreign interference found that attempts by other countries to meddle in the 2019 and 2021 general elections did not determine which party formed the government.
"Nonetheless, the acts of interference that occurred are a stain on our electoral process and impacted the process leading up to the actual vote," Justice Marie-Josée Hogue wrote in her initial report.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
> Date: Fri, 15 Jan 2016 16:15:03 -0400
> Subject: Re: Re Federal Court Rule 46 (1) (a) (viii) as it applies to
> my complaint (File No: T-1557-15) Trust that I called and tried to
> talk a lot bureaucrats and politicians etc before sharing the hearings
> held on Dec 14th and Jan 11th
> To: david.mcguinty@parl.gc.ca
> Cc: David Amos <david.raymond.amos@gmail.com>
>
> Thank you for being ethical.
>
> Best Regards
> Dave
>
> On 1/15/16, david.mcguinty@parl.gc.ca <david.mcguinty@parl.gc.ca> wrote:
>> Received. Thank you.
>> ________________________________________
>> From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
>> Sent: January 15, 2016 2:22 PM
>> To: McGuinty, David - M.P.; McKay, John - M.P.; Long, Wayne - Riding 1;
>> McKenna, Catherine - M.P.; McCrimmon, Karen - Riding 1; Ludwig, Karen -
>> Riding 2; karen.ludwig.nb; MacKinnon, Steven - Député
>> Cc: David Amos
>> Subject: Fwd: Re Federal Court Rule 46 (1) (a) (viii) as it applies to my
>> complaint (File No: T-1557-15) Trust that I called and tried to talk a
>> lot
>> bureaucrats and politicians etc before sharing the hearings held on Dec
>> 14th
>> and Jan 11th
>>
>> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
>> From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
>> Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2016 16:29:14 -0400
>> Subject: Re Federal Court Rule 46 (1) (a) (viii) as it applies to my
>> complaint (File No: T-1557-15) Trust that I called and tried to talk a
>> lot bureaucrats and politicians etc before sharing the hearings held
>> on Dec 14th and Jan 11th
>> To: Rheal.Fortin.c1@parl.gc.ca, Murray.Rankin.c1@parl.gc.ca,
>> cmunroe@glgmlaw.com, nbd_cna@liberal.ca, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>,
>> ljulien@liberal.ca, pmilliken <pmilliken@cswan.com>, bdysart
>> <bdysart@smss.com>, bdysart <bdysart@stewartmckelvey.com>,
>> Braeden.Caley@vancouver.ca, robert.m.schuett@schuettlaw.com,
>> jda@nf.aibn.com, eclark@coxandpalmer.com, office@liberal.ns.ca,
>> president@lpco.ca, david@lpcm.ca, emerchant
>> <emerchant@merchantlaw.com>, info@fja-cmf.gc.ca, w.kinew@uwinnipeg.ca,
>> richard.tardif@cas-satj.gc.ca, "andrew.scheer"
>> <andrew.scheer@parl.gc.ca>, john.wallace@sen.parl.gc.ca, MulcaT
>> <MulcaT@parl.gc.ca>, "rona.ambrose.A1" <rona.ambrose.A1@parl.gc.ca>,
>> RBauer <RBauer@perkinscoie.com>, sshimshak@paulweiss.com,
>> cspada@lswlaw.com, msmith <msmith@svlaw.com>, bginsberg
>> <bginsberg@pattonboggs.com>, "gregory.craig"
>> <gregory.craig@skadden.com>, "Gilles.Blinn"
>> <Gilles.Blinn@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, "bob.paulson"
>> <bob.paulson@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, "bob.rae"
>> <bob.rae@rogers.blackberry.net>, "Gilles.Moreau"
>> <Gilles.Moreau@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, "Stephane.vaillancourt"
>> <Stephane.vaillancourt@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>
>> Cc: David Amos <david.raymond.amos@gmail.com>,
>> Chantal.Carbonneau@cas-satj.gc.ca, daniel.gosselin@cas-satj.gc.ca,
>> assistance@liberal.ca, Karine Fortin <info@ndp.ca>, "stephen.harper"
>> <stephen.harper.a1@parl.gc.ca>, heather.bradley@parl.gc.ca
>>
>> Anyway at least nobody said I could not so enjoy.
>>
>> Judge Bell Dec 14th
>>
>> https://archive.org/details/BahHumbug
>>
>> Judge Southcott Jan 11th
>>
>> https://archive.org/details/Jan11th2015
>>
>>
>> Federal Court Rule
>>
>> 46 (1) Subject to the approval of the Governor in Council and subject
>> also to subsection (4), the rules committee may make general rules and
>> orders
>>
>> (a) for regulating the practice and procedure in the Federal Court of
>> Appeal and in the Federal Court, including, without restricting the
>> generality of the foregoing,
>>
>> (viii) rules governing the recording of proceedings in the course of a
>> hearing and the transcription of that recording,
>>
>>
>> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>>
>> OTTAWA, January 7, 2016
>>
>> In response to recent media reports regarding the application of Order
>> in Council PC 2015-1071, the Chief Administrator of the Courts
>> Administration Service (CAS) is releasing the following statement on
>> behalf of the Chief Justices of the Federal Court of Appeal, the
>> Federal Court, the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada and the Tax
>> Court of Canada:
>>
>> The Chief Justices share the position conveyed today by the Chief
>> Justice of Canada. They are also encouraged by the federal
>> government’s response to their concerns about the impact of this Order
>> in Council on judicial independence and are expecting a satisfactory
>> resolution of the issue shortly.
>>
>> For further information contact:
>> Richard Tardif
>> Deputy Chief Administrator
>> Judicial and Registry Services
>> Courts Administration Service
>> richard.tardif@cas-satj.gc.ca
>> Tel: 613-943-3458
>>
>> http://goc411.ca/Employees/IndexByDepartment/58
>>
>> Daniel Gosselin
>> Chief Administrator:
>> Courts Administration Service
>> Principal Office
>> 90 Sparks St.
>> Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H9
>> Phone: 613-996-4778
>> Fax: 613-941-6197
>> Email: daniel.gosselin@cas-satj.gc.ca
>>
>> The clerks above did not have the sand to call me back but the lawyer
>> below certainly did. I hung up on her the instant she told me
>> everybody was too busy
>> to bother talking to me.
>>
>> http://goc411.ca/60585/Lise-Henrie
>>
>> Lise Henrie
>> Executive Directer and General Counsel
>> 613-943-5484
>>
>>
---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 2 May 2018 15:24:41 -0400
Subject: Gord Brown dies after heart attack
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos@gmail.com>
rennie.marcoux@canada.ca, David.McGuinty@parl.gc.ca,
Murray.Rankin@parl.gc.ca, senatorwhite@sen.parl.gc.ca,
Clemet1@parl.gc.ca, percy.downe@sen.parl.gc.ca,
emmanuel.dubourg@parl.gc.ca, hedy.fry@parl.gc.ca,
Gudie.Hutchings@parl.gc.ca, Frances.Lankin@sen.parl.gc.ca,
Brenda.Shanahan@parl.gc.ca, gord.brown@parl.gc.ca
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politic
'Incredibly decent man': Conservative MP Gord Brown dies after heart
attack in Parliament Hill office
Long-time MP was first elected in 2004 and has held eastern Ontario seat since
CBC News · Posted: May 02, 2018 11:42 AM ET | Last Updated: an hour ago
Conservative MP Gordon Brown has died after suffering a heart attack
in his Parliament Hill office this morning. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian
Press)
Longtime Conservative MP Gord Brown has died after suffering a heart
attack in his Parliament Hill office this morning.
The 57-year-old MP, who represented the eastern Ontario riding of
Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, was first elected
in 2004.
He was married to Claudine and has two sons, Chance and Tristan,
according to the Conservative Party website.
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer tweeted his condolences, calling for
people to pray for his wife and children as they cope with the
"terrible loss."
"Heartbroken at the passing of our dear friend Gord Brown. A sudden
and tragic loss for anyone who knew him. One of the most upbeat guys
I've known," he said on Twitter.
Paramedics were called to his office on Parliament Hill shortly before
10 a.m. and performed emergency resuscitation efforts on route to the
hospital.
Conservatives were told Brown had suffered a heart attack during their
weekly caucus meeting, which ended early after that news. MPs were
later called back into the room and told he had died, and a prayer was
said for him.
Outpouring of condolences
An outpouring of condolences and tributes flowed from MPs from all
parties on social media. NDP MP Nathan Cullen called him an
"incredibly decent man."
"For all the arguing in politics we are family. To my Conservative
friends and to Gord's family my sincere condolences," he tweeted.
Liberal MP Adam Vaughan called it sad news that "Gordie Brown" had died.
"He never let partisanship get in the way of friendship. Even on the
ice! RIP," he tweeted.
Brown's death was announced in the Ontario Legislature by
Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark and a moment of silence was held in
his honour.
In Ottawa, Liberal MPs were also holding their weekly caucus meeting
Wednesday and were told of Brown's death. Liberals who were in the
room told CBC News that MPs stood one after another to pay tribute to
Brown, a testament to how well-liked he was across party lines.
Brown was active in sports, and was a Canadian kayaking champion with
the Gananoque Canoe Club. He played hockey in the winter and enjoyed
golf and kayaking in the summer.
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer and Ontario MP Gordon Brown from
2017. (Gordbrownmp.ca/)
Before entering federal politics, Brown was a town councillor in
Gananoque, Ont. He was also president of the 1000 Islands-Gananoque
Chamber of Commerce and chair of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission.
On Parliament Hill, he served on various committees, including
heritage, public safety and security, and human resources. He chaired
a special committee that reviewed federal anti-terrorism legislation,
and served in the past as the Conservative whip in the House of
Commons.
He held a political science degree from Carleton University.
Brown's death comes almost two years after Jim Hillyer, another
Conservative MP, died of a heart attack in his Parliament Hill office.
Former federal finance minister and Conservative MP Jim Flaherty died
April 10, 2014 after suffering a massive heart attack in his Ottawa
home.
From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, May 2, 2018 at 4:31 PM
Subject: Rennie Marcoux is a Fox guarding the hen house
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos@gmail.com>
Cc: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
https://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2017
News
The Prime Minister announces appointment to the Secretariat of the
National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
Ottawa, Ontario - December 7, 2017
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following appointment:
Rennie Marcoux, currently Chief Strategic Policy and Planning Officer,
Royal Canadian Mounted Police, becomes Executive Director, Secretariat
of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of
Parliamentarians, effective December 11, 2017.
Biographical notes
Rennie Marcoux
https://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2017
Rennie Marcoux
Ottawa, Ontario - December 7, 2017
Education
Master of Arts, International Affairs, Carleton University
Bachelor of Science, Political Science, Université de Montréal
Professional Experience
Since January 2013
Chief Strategic Policy and Planning Officer, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
2006 - 2013
Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Security and Intelligence, Privy
Council Office
2002 - 2006
Assistant Director, Secretariat, Canadian Security Intelligence Service
2001 - 2002
Assistant Clerk of the Privy Council, Regulatory Affairs and Orders in
Council Secretariat, Privy Council Office
1998 - 2000
Privy Council Officer, Machinery of Government Secretariat, Privy Council Office
1991 - 1998
Privy Council Officer, Security and Intelligence Secretariat, Privy
Council Office
1988 - 1990
Policy Analyst, National Security Coordination Centre, Ministry of the
Solicitor General Secretariat
1983 – 1988
Analyst, Communications Security Establishment
Related Product
The Prime Minister announces appointment to the Secretariat of
the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
https://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2017
Prime Minister announces new National Security and Intelligence
Committee of Parliamentarians
News
Prime Minister announces new National Security and Intelligence
Committee of Parliamentarians
Ottawa, Ontario - November 6, 2017
Canadians have been clear that they want – and need – our national
security and intelligence communities to continue to be responsible
and fully respect the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens.
That is why the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the
establishment of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of
Parliamentarians, a multi-party committee that includes
representatives from both the House of Commons and the Senate.
The Committee – to be chaired by David McGuinty, Member of Parliament
for Ottawa South – will have the authority to review national security
and intelligence activities carried out across the Government of
Canada. This includes activities undertaken by the Canadian Security
Intelligence Service, the Communications Security Establishment, the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency,
amongst many others. The Committee’s mandate allows an unprecedented
level of review and promotes government-wide accountability.
The Committee will provide the Prime Minister with annual reports on
its reviews – including any findings and recommendations – that will
be tabled in both Houses of Parliament and referred to the appropriate
Standing Committees. Special reports may also be issued as needed.
Quote
“The creation of a strong, accountable, and multi-party committee
of dedicated parliamentarians will help us ensure that our national
security agencies continue to keep Canadians safe in a way that also
safeguards our values, rights, and freedoms. This independent group
will help strengthen the accountability of our national security and
intelligence work. In our system of responsible government, there is
no substitute for scrutiny by parliamentarians.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
The members of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of
Parliamentarians will include:
Gordon Brown, Conservative
The Honourable Tony Clement, P.C., Conservative
The Honourable Percy E. Downe, Senate
Emmanuel Dubourg, Liberal
The Honourable Hedy Fry, P.C., Liberal
Gudie Hutchings, Liberal
The Honourable Frances Lankin, P.C., C.M., Senate
David J. McGuinty, Liberal (Chair)
Murray Rankin, NDP
Brenda Shanahan, Liberal
The Honourable Vernon White, Senate
The Committee will be supported by an independent Secretariat that
will be led by an Executive Director to be appointed in the near
future.
The Prime Minister also intends to recommend to the Governor
General the appointment of Mr. David McGuinty to the Queen’s Privy
Council for Canada.
The Committee is created under the National Security and
Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act, which received Royal
Assent on June 22, 2017.
The creation of a committee of parliamentarians to review
government departments and agencies with national security
responsibilities was also a commitment set out in the mandate letters
of the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and the
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
Associated Links
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons mandate letter
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness mandate letter
National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act
Amendment to the Designations of Officers and Delegations of Authority by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
This document amends the Designations of Officers and Delegations of Authority by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations Document signed on , and subsequently amended, as per the attached Schedule for the purpose of item 222.
This document comes into force on the date on which it is signed.
.
The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., K.C., M.P.
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Media advisory
Media Advisory - Ottawa, Ontario, July 12, 2022—Members of the media are invited to an announcement regarding public infrastructure with Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Queen’s Privy Council of Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of the City of Ottawa.
Media advisory
Caraquet, New Brunswick, July 20, 2023 — Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie‒Bathurst, the Honourable Réjean Savoie, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, and His Worship Bernard Thériault, Mayor of Caraquet.
Date:
Friday, July 21, 2023
Time:
3:00 p.m. ADT
Location:
Track and field lawn behind the Colisée Léopold-Foulem
20 du Colisée St.
Caraquet, New Brunswick E1W 1A5
Contacts
For more information (media only), please contact:
Jean-Sébastien Comeau
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
343-574-8116
Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca
Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
Web: Infrastructure Canada
Jean Bertin
Media Relations
Regional Development Corporation
506-478-2367
jean.bertin@gnb.ca
Julie Jacob
Clerk
Town of Caraquet
506-726-2727
julie.jacob@caraquet.ca
About
Education
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Activities and societies: Gamma Phi Beta, Liberal McGill
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courses taken toward MA
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Experience
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Kelly Ouimet Public Relations Inc. Apr 2010 to Oct 2020 · 10 yrs 7 mos Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaPresident
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As a small business owner, worked with clients in the private and public sectors and not-for-profit. Developed public relations and strategic communications, communications plans, speeches, writing/editing, message development, website content, reputation management, crisis communications, media trainer and family travel expert sharing how to travel/fly with children.
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Canadian Council on Learning Oct 2006 to Mar 2010 · 3 yrs 6 mos Ottawa, Canada AreaSenior Media Relations Specialist
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Reporting to the president, developed and implemented media relations strategy. Acted as and prepared CCL spokespeople for media interviews. Maintained relationships with national, regional and local media outlets. Increased CCL’s number of media hits (including securing feature cover story in Macleans 2 years in a row) Developed and implemented communications strategies.
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Department of Social Development · Full-time Jul 2005 to Feb 2006 · 8 mos Ottawa, Canada AreaDirector of Communications, Hon.Tony Ianno
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Developed and implemented communications strategy. Crafted Minister’s speeches and strategic messaging. Oversaw departmental communications products. Responsible for parliamentary affairs, including briefing Minister for Question Period and media interviews. Maintained relationships with National Press Gallery
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Forest Products Association of Canada Jun 2002 to Jan 2005 · 2 yrs 8 mos Ottawa, Canada AreaDirector, Government Relations
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Developed and implemented Government Relations strategy for FPAC. Advised President and industry leaders on political events and appearances, providing parliamentary background and government procedure briefings. Successfully developed and implemented major lobbying events on Parliament Hill. Built and maintained network of key government contacts.
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Weber Shandwick Sep 2000 to May 2002 · 1 yr 9 mos Ottawa, Canada AreaConsultant
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Responsibilities included strategic communication advice, client management, media relations with national, regional and local media, writing press releases and newspaper articles, research and event planning.
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Department of Finance Jan 1999 to Sep 2000 · 1 yr 9 mos Ottawa, Canada AreaSpecial Assistant, Communications, Minister of Finance's office, Rt. Hon. Paul Martin
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Anthony "Tony" Ianno[1] PC (born 1957) is a businessman and a former Canadian politician. He served as a Liberal Party of Canada MP representing Trinity—Spadina (1993–2006) and Minister of Families and Caregivers (2004–06).
Personal life
Born on January 2, 1957, in Toronto, Ontario, Ianno graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science degree. He and his wife, Christine Innes, have four children. He is also the cousin of former Ontario MPP and cabinet minister Joseph Cordiano. His wife, Christine, was the Liberal candidate for Trinity-Spadina in the 2008 federal election and 2011 federal election.
Politics
Ianno was a long-time political organizer and helped a number of Italian-Canadians win federal and provincial Liberal nominations in Toronto in the 1980s. He also was a key figure in organizing support among Toronto's large Italian-Canadian population for Jean Chrétien during the 1990 Liberal leadership campaign.[2]
He first ran for Federal office in the 1988 election, as part of a group of four Liberals who, according to author William Johnson, "brought a new turbulence to the politics of Metro Toronto."[3] The group, which included Joe Volpe, Armindo Silva, and Jasbir Singh, worked together and used aggressive tactics to secure nominations in the Toronto area.[4] Ianno was nominated in the Toronto riding of Trinity-Spadina, but was defeated by New Democratic Party incumbent Dan Heap.
He ran again in the 1993 election and was elected in a Liberal sweep where they won nearly every seat in Ontario. Ianno continued to represent Trinity-Spadina for the next 13 years until he was defeated in 2006.
While most Ontario seats were easily won by the Liberals under Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Trinity—Spadina was closely fought each time. Ianno narrowly held the diverse downtown riding through four federal elections, facing strong competition from New Democratic Party candidates. Much of his support came from the Italian, Portuguese and Chinese areas. Toronto's traditional Little Italy and Chinatown areas are in the riding. Ianno narrowly defeated Toronto city councillor Olivia Chow in the 1997 election and The Globe and Mail journalist Michael Valpy who ran for the NDP in the 2000 election. In the 2004 election, Ianno again faced councillor Chow and managed to win re-election by a slim margin, as the Liberals were reduced to a minority government due to the Sponsorship Scandal.
On July 20, 2004, Ianno was appointed to the junior position of Minister of State (Families and Caregivers) in Paul Martin's cabinet following the Liberals' re-election.
During the 2006 election, Ianno faced off against Chow for the third time. This time she defeated him, winning 46% of the vote to Ianno's 40%. Some attributed Ianno's loss to his perceived support for the Toronto Port Authority and the Toronto City Centre Airport. Although Ianno did not have an official role in the Authority's creation or policies, he nonetheless defended a controversial payout to the Authority as compensation for the cancellation of the Island Airport Bridge.
His party's proposal redress the Head Tax also did not help his campaign, as the Liberals had not consulted many of the major Canadian-Chinese groups (despite claiming to), the promised amount was reduced to from $12.5 million to $2.5 million, and the pre-condition was that the government would make no apology, while the three opposition parties pledged to make a full apology. Several gaffes by the Liberals also reflected negatively on Ianno, including when Mike Klander (the executive vice-president of the federal Liberals' Ontario wing) made posts on his blog comparing Chow to a Chow Chow dog and calling her husband an "asshole".[5][6] Klander apologized for the remark and resigned.
Later life
After the election, The Globe and Mail reported on February 11, 2006 that Ianno had been "burning up the caucus phone lines" testing the waters for a possible bid in the Liberal leadership campaign to replace Martin.[7] On April 8, 2006, Mr. Ianno told Canadian Press that he decided to run for the party presidency, in which he was unsuccessful.[8]
On March 9, 2010, the Ontario Securities Commission made allegations of market manipulation based on what they deemed "acting against public interest" against Ianno.[9] Ianno has denied the charges.[10] The matter was heard before the commission in September 2011.[11] Ianno accepted a plea deal which had him pay a $100,000 fine and was banned from working as a stock trader for five years
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