Diane Francis: Protecting the 'traitors'

financialpost.com:

Canadians have remained in the dark for years about interference by China and other foreign countries in their democracy. Inquiries have been slow-walked, delayed or obstructed by the Trudeau government.

Public allegations of Chinese interference date back to 2021, when the Conservatives complained that Beijing was meddling in the federal election. In November 2022, Global News reported that, “Canadian intelligence officials have warned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that China has allegedly been targeting Canada with a vast campaign of foreign interference, which includes funding a clandestine network of at least 11 federal candidates running in the 2019 election.”

The Prime Minister’s Office did not respond directly, but stated that, “Protecting Canadians’ security is our top priority. Threats, harassment or intimidation of Canadian citizens are unacceptable, and all allegations of interference are investigated thoroughly by our security agencies.”

In September 2023, the government launched a public inquiry into foreign interference, appointing Quebec Court of Appeal judge Marie-Josée Hogue as its commissioner. Then, in March 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed former governor general David Johnston to investigate and recommend actions to address the situation.

A few months later, Johnston ruled out the need for a public inquiry into foreign interference, saying, “The specific instances of interference are less concerning than some media reporting has suggested.” It was the first of a series of high-handed performances by ranking members of the country’s Liberal elite. Johnston suggested public hearings be held instead so Canadians could air their misgivings.

It was a catch-22 gambit that ignored serious