Elections Canada Chief Electoral Officer Stephane Perreault said he saw no evidence of Chinese government agents participating during the 2019 federal election, according to Blacklock’s Reporter. .“There may be offences that are committed that we find out after the fact and there may be investigations that are or are not underway that I would know about but with the information I have, I have no reason to believe the election was not a free and fair election,” said Perreault..“I have no specific intelligence or evidence in that regard.”.Perreault acknowledged he did not look for any evidence. .It was revealed on November 9 intelligence officials had been warning the Canadian government about Chinese interference in federal elections, prompting the Conservatives to call for action..READ MORE: Intelligence sources say China influences Canadian elections.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several cabinet ministers received briefings and memos since January detailing a campaign of foreign interference from the Chinese government, including Liberal and Conservative candidates, in 2019..The briefings allege payments were made through intermediaries to candidates affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party. Chinese government agents worked in constituency offices to influence policy and corrupt politicians. .Perreault said he had read stories about foreign interference in the 2019 election. .“I am not in a position to speak to the accuracy of the contents of the recent news articles,” he said. .Conservative MP Michael Cooper asked if Trudeau or anyone in the Prime Minister’s Office reported to Elections Canada about Chinese interference. Perreault said he was unaware of any particulars. .Trudeau said on Tuesday Chinese agents did not influence the 2019 or 2021 elections. .“The integrity of our elections was not compromised,” he said. .Attorney General David Lametti said cabinet was not dismissive of the allegations. Lametti called it “a serious issue.”.“When you’re dealing with matters of national security, you have to move in a very prudent fashion,” said Lametti.
