Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced the establishment of a Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions.
The announcement of this inquiry follows extensive consultations with all recognized parties in the House of Commons. All parties have agreed to the Terms of Reference and the appointment of the Commissioner.
The inquiry will be led by the Honourable Marie-Josée Hogue, puisne judge of the Quebec Court of Appeal, whose work as Commissioner will begin on September 18, 2023.
As one of Canada's leading litigators, Justice Hogue was appointed to the Court of Appeal of Quebec in 2015. Justice Hogue has appeared before all levels of the Quebec courts and the Supreme Court of Canada, and frequently appeared before domestic and international arbitration tribunals. Justice Hogue was named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 2009, received the Avocate émérite (Ad. E.) distinction from the Barreau du Québec in 2012, and has been recognized in many peer-reviewed listings.
Justice Hogue is mandated to examine and assess interference by China, Russia and other foreign states or nonstate actors, including any potential impacts, to confirm the integrity of, and any impacts on, the 43rd and 44th federal general elections at the national and electoral district levels.
Justice Hogue is also mandated to assess the capacity of federal entities to detect, deter and counter foreign interference targeting Canada's democratic processes, and to make any recommendations she deems appropriate to better protect Canada's democratic processes from foreign interference, including in relation to the creation and dissemination of intelligence, relevant supports and protections for members of diasporas, and the mechanisms that were in place to protect the integrity of 43rd and 44th elections.
Appointed under the Inquiries Act, the Commissioner will operate independently from the government and will have a full range of powers, including the power to compel witnesses and testimony on matters within federal jurisdiction, and broad access to classified and unclassified documents.
The Commissioner is directed to deliver an interim report by February 29, 2024, and a final report by December 2024. The Commissioner may deliver a classified report containing any relevant classified content, if required, and a report suitable for disclosure to the public. To foster transparency and a better understanding of the findings, leaders of all parties recognized in the House of Commons with appropriate clearance will be invited to review classified versions of the Commissioner's reports.
The Government of Canada will continue to take steps to counter foreign interference and ensure Canada's democracy remains one of the strongest in the world.
