New foreign interference documents raise questions about special rapporteur report

globalnews.ca:

New intelligence documents published by the federal foreign interference inquiry raise questions about the conclusions of former Governor General David Johnston’s probe into the issue.

Johnston, whom Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed a special rapporteur on foreign interference, ruled out calling a public inquiry last May.

Had Johnston’s recommendation been accepted, a trove of national security documents released this week by the Foreign Interference Commission would have never seen the light of day.

The new information, submitted by CSIS, highlights allegations of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) “highly capable and motivated” activities against Canada’s democratic process and institutions.

Some of that information appears to directly challenge Johnston’s interpretation of top-secret intelligence and the extent of foreign interference operations – principally by Beijing – in Canada.

A spokesperson for Johnston said Friday he “is not responding to any further media inquiries about his role as Independent Special Rapporteur.”

Late Thursday afternoon, David Vigneault, the director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), revealed they had intelligence that alleges that Beijing tried to funnel approximately $250,000 to interfere with the 2019 general election.

While CSIS offered no evidence that money changed hands, the summary it put forth suggests the money was intended to be disbursed through an alleged interference network including an influential community member, a staff member of a 2019 federal candidate, and an unnamed Ontario MPP. The intelligence suggests the money was meant to benefit 11 campaigns, including seven Liberals and four Conservative candidates.

Global News first reported the