Final Submissions at the Foreign Interference Commission
November 4, 2024
Chantler & Company was honoured to make final oral and written submissions on behalf of the Chinese Canadian Concern Group at the Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions. A link to our full written submissions can be found here.
The Concern Group was granted full party status for the final stage of the Inquiry and participated actively in hearings held in Ottawa throughout 2024. The group—a grassroots coalition with deep roots in human rights advocacy dating back to the Tiananmen Square protests—was a vital voice in ensuring that the lived experiences of Chinese Canadians were brought to the forefront.
Presided over by Justice Marie-Josée Hogue of the Quebec Court of Appeal, the Commission was established to examine the nature and extent of foreign interference in Canada’s recent federal elections and democratic institutions. Over several months, it heard evidence from some of the most senior officials in the country, including:
The Prime Minister of Canada
Multiple Cabinet Ministers, including the Minister of Public Safety and Minister of Foreign Affairs
Current and former Members of Parliament
The Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
The National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister
Senior officials from the RCMP, Global Affairs Canada, and Elections Canada
In our closing submissions, we highlighted the urgent need to address the real and ongoing threats of foreign interference, including:
The transnational repression of Chinese Canadians through harassment, surveillance, and cyberattacks
The operation of overseas police stations on Canadian soil
The capture of Chinese-language media by the Chinese Communist Party
The chilling effect of these tactics on political participation and community trust
We urged the Commission to issue bold, forward-looking recommendations that will strengthen Canada’s democratic institutions, protect vulnerable communities, and send a clear message that foreign interference will not be tolerated.
This inquiry has been a critical moment in Canada’s democratic life. We are proud to have supported the Concern Group in this historic process and remain committed to defending the rights, dignity, and political voice of all Canadians.
Related media:
CBC News: Foreign interference hearing closes with partisan jabs and policy points (Oct 24, 2024):
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/foreign-interference-public-hearing-wrap-1.7362908
