VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — A public inquiry on international interference in Canada concluded Tuesday that whereas some international entities tried to intervene within the nation’s elections, its democratic establishments stay “sturdy,” however warned in opposition to the hazard of misinformation.
The ultimate report of the Public Inquiry into Overseas Interference discovered “no proof of traitors” within the nation’s parliament, however Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue warned that one of many greatest threats to democracy was international actors sowing disinformation in each the normal media and social media.
“Distinguishing what is fake is changing into more and more tough and the implications are terribly dangerous,” Hogue informed a information convention in Ottawa the place she didn’t take questions.
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The Canadian authorities established the public inquiry in September 2023 to analyze whether or not China, Russia and different nations interfered in Canadian federal elections in 2019 and 2021 that re-elected Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberals.
The ultimate report criticized the federal authorities for its gradual response to international interference and mentioned “coordination between the varied gamers concerned has not at all times been optimum.”
The report consists of seven volumes and lays out 51 suggestions for the federal authorities, practically half of which she says ought to be thought-about earlier than the subsequent election.
The report comes as Canada’s Liberal Get together is deciding on a brand new chief to exchange Trudeau who announced his resignation Jan. 6. He’ll stay prime minister till a brand new Liberal Get together chief is chosen on March 9.
The subsequent Liberal chief could possibly be the shortest-tenured prime minister within the nation’s historical past. All three opposition events have vowed to convey down the Liberals’ minority authorities in a no-confidence vote after parliament resumes on March 24 which might set off a spring election.
Among the many report’s suggestions are calls to enhance federal preparedness, foster transparency, shore up electoral integrity and counter threats in opposition to diaspora communities.
Hogue mentioned the Canadian Safety Intelligence Service ought to clearly flag experiences it views as notably related for senior decision-makers.
There’s a suggestion for the federal government to create an entity to observe on-line data for misinformation and disinformation that might impression the democratic course of.
The report additionally calls on Ottawa to develop a complete international interference technique, encourage political get together leaders to acquire prime secret-level safety clearances, and think about creating a brand new company to observe on-line areas for misinformation and disinformation.
Parliament handed laws final 12 months to strengthen Canada’s defenses in opposition to international meddling.
The federal invoice created offenses for misleading or surreptitious acts that undermine democratic processes, equivalent to covertly influencing the end result of a candidate nomination contest.
