NDP leader Jagmeet Singh put forward a motion on Monday asking David Johnston to step down from his role as special rapporteur, who is investigating foreign interference in Canada. .“We’ve tabled a motion … that will be debated tomorrow in the House,” Singh told reporters.. David Johnston .“Given the clear apprehension of bias at this point, we’re going to be asking for Mr. Johnston to step aside as special rapporteur.”.Singh said there is a “mounting appearance of bias” surrounding Johnston to the extent that it “erodes the work that the special rapporteur can do.”.On May 25, the opposition motion was tabled by NDP MP Rachel Blaney (North Island—Powell River, BC). .The motion said that the House of Commons had previously asked the government to initiate a public inquiry into foreign interference in March and May..The motion also acknowledges that despite recognizing “significant gaps” and “many questions either unasked or unanswered” in his report, Johnston advised against initiating a public inquiry..In the report published earlier this month, Johnston advised against conducting a public inquiry in favour of public hearings, which lack the power to compel someone to testify..Johnston's rationale for opposing a public inquiry was based on the fact that a significant portion of the intelligence involved could not be disclosed to the public. .Instead, Johnston said his ongoing investigation should include public hearings to delve further into the issue. .However, despite his recommendation, all opposition parties continue to advocate for a public inquiry. .Furthermore, there are unresolved questions within Johnston's report and ongoing reports continue to shed light on the extent of Chinese interference..The Canadian Security and Intelligence Services (CSIS) alerted former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole about China's efforts to influence him when he was the party leader, including the 2021 election in which he participated..NDP MP Jenny Kwan disclosed on Monday that CSIS had informed her several weeks ago that she is also a target for foreign interference by China.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh put forward a motion on Monday asking David Johnston to step down from his role as special rapporteur, who is investigating foreign interference in Canada. .“We’ve tabled a motion … that will be debated tomorrow in the House,” Singh told reporters.. David Johnston .“Given the clear apprehension of bias at this point, we’re going to be asking for Mr. Johnston to step aside as special rapporteur.”.Singh said there is a “mounting appearance of bias” surrounding Johnston to the extent that it “erodes the work that the special rapporteur can do.”.On May 25, the opposition motion was tabled by NDP MP Rachel Blaney (North Island—Powell River, BC). .The motion said that the House of Commons had previously asked the government to initiate a public inquiry into foreign interference in March and May..The motion also acknowledges that despite recognizing “significant gaps” and “many questions either unasked or unanswered” in his report, Johnston advised against initiating a public inquiry..In the report published earlier this month, Johnston advised against conducting a public inquiry in favour of public hearings, which lack the power to compel someone to testify..Johnston's rationale for opposing a public inquiry was based on the fact that a significant portion of the intelligence involved could not be disclosed to the public. .Instead, Johnston said his ongoing investigation should include public hearings to delve further into the issue. .However, despite his recommendation, all opposition parties continue to advocate for a public inquiry. .Furthermore, there are unresolved questions within Johnston's report and ongoing reports continue to shed light on the extent of Chinese interference..The Canadian Security and Intelligence Services (CSIS) alerted former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole about China's efforts to influence him when he was the party leader, including the 2021 election in which he participated..NDP MP Jenny Kwan disclosed on Monday that CSIS had informed her several weeks ago that she is also a target for foreign interference by China.
