Amid a new report claiming the prime minister was briefed twice on Chinese foreign election interference, Justin Trudeau repeatedly refused to answer questions on the subject during Question Period on Wednesday.."He won't answer whether members of his existing cabinet and caucus have been implicated in foreign interference, he won't answer whether his ministers or his staff have been briefed about that interference, and he won't answer whether his party received illegal money directly from the foreign dictatorship in Beijing," Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said following a round of unanswered questions from the prime minister.."He won't answer any of these questions, which is exactly why we need an independent inquiry that can compel his testimony.".Despite mounting political pressure to call for an independent investigation into alleged Chinese election interference, Trudeau chose to appoint an "independent special rapporteur," to make expert recommendations on combating foreign election interference in Canada. The rapporteur will also decide whether an open inquiry into the subject is warranted..Much of Question Period on Wednesday centered around new reporting by Global News, in which two high-level national security experts claimed Trudeau and his cabinet were warned Chinese government officials were funneling money to Canadian political candidates..According to the article, a "Special Report" prepared by the Privy Council Office intended to be read by Trudeau was prepared in January 2022. It asserted Chinese officials in Toronto put money into a covert network tasked with interfering in Canada’s 2019 election..Another earlier report from Canada’s National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (CNSICOP) warned China was funding "preferred candidates" in the 2019 election.."The prime minister said repeatedly he had no knowledge of funds from the dictatorship in Beijing going to federal election candidates. Today we learned that is not true," Poilievre said during Question Period.."Why did the prime minister say the opposite of what he knew to be true?".Trudeau responded both he and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) said they had no information on any federal candidates receiving money from China.."That is that is impossible," Poilievre responded, before citing the Global News story Trudeau was warned of Chinese money flowing to candidates. Trudeau again claimed he had not received the information..Poilievre then asked Trudeau five times if the Canada Security Intelligence Services (CSIS) had warned Trudeau, his staff, or anyone within his party that any members may be part of a foreign interference network. Poilievre ended each question with, "yes or no?".The prime minister repeatedly refused to address the question, instead highlighting the work being done by NSIRA and CNSICOP to investigate foreign election interference and keep Canadians safe.."We've created bodies that allow parliamentarians to get top secret clearances so they can look directly at everything being done, without putting at risk the brave women and men who served this country," he said..When Poilievre asked which staff members in the Prime Minister's Office received the CSIS brief there was a Liberal candidate implicated in China's interference network, Trudeau attempted to change the subject.."Just recently, Conservative Party MPs knowingly dined with a far-right German politician, Christine Anderson. It's time he gave Canadians real answers and apologized.".Poilievre ignored the question, asking Trudeau if Chief of Staff Katie Telford — who the Liberals attempted to keep from testifying at the standing committee on procedure and House affairs — was briefed about the foreign interference network. Trudeau again refused to answer..When Poilievre asked how much money the Liberals received from the Chinese government, Trudeau responded that it was important to "protect the women and men who serve in our security agencies doing extremely dangerous work to keep Canadians safe."."That's why we've created a committee where all parliamentarians from different parties can get top secret clearance and look into these matters deeply without compromising the safety of people who serve this country," Trudeau said.."He's not interested in protecting the safety of the people serving this country. He's interested in protecting the Liberal Party of Canada," Poilievre responded before asking the question again.."It is unfortunate and despicable that any member in this house one would question the loyalty to Canada of any other member in this house," Trudeau responded..Poilievre said it was "incredible" Trudeau couldn't answer his question with a "zero," before again asking how much money the Liberals received from Beijing. Trudeau again ignored the question, accusing Poilievre of trying to backtrack from his "heinous" comment.."He's blocking a public inquiry that would compel him to give answers. He has his members blocking an investigation here at Parliament. He won't answer questions on the floor of the House of Commons. He's even got a bill that would allow him to censor the Internet," Poilievre said. "It's almost as as if he admires the basic Chinese communist dictatorship. Does he still admire it?"."We are clearly seeing once again the leader of the opposition is simply not serious in his approach in reassuring Canadians about institutions, about our democracy, and about the integrity of our elections," Trudeau said.."That is why we are proposing significant and serious steps and mechanisms to make sure independently and with expert advice, the right answers are being sought and the right answers are being shared with Canadians."
