After learning of yet more alleged Chinese interference in Canada, Trudeau promised “immediate” action, despite being accused of inaction for two years.
According to a new report in the Globe and Mail, a 2021 briefing note from the Canadian Security Intelligence Services (CSIS) stated that a Chinese diplomat in Canada was targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong’s family in Hong Kong.
The report alleges that this was in retaliation for Chong’s support of a motion that called for the Chinese Communist Party’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims to be classified as genocide.
The alleged CSIS report said that Zhao Wei, a Chinese diplomat in Canada, was responsible for the threats to Chong’s family — and the threats were “almost certainly meant to make an example of this MP and deter others from taking anti-PRC positions.”
Following the Monday report, Chong called out Trudeau for “inaction,” and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre asked Trudeau why he did nothing about it.
“Today we learned that Beijing worked to punish a family member of a parliamentarian in this House for a vote, and an intelligence organization of the government was aware of this for two years but the Prime Minister didn’t tell the member in question,” Poilievre said.
“It was a diplomat who is still on the website of the Chinese consulate in Toronto. Why?”
Trudeau responded, saying the federal government is “following up on the report.”
“I asked different security experts to monitor the situation,” Trudeau added.
Poilievre again asked why Trudeau did nothing about the report two years ago when learning of the threats.
“…the diplomat that worked to punish a Canadian MPs family is still in Canada when the Prime MInister could have expelled him. Why didn’t he expel this diplomat?”
Trudeau said it’s unacceptable for any Canadian to be subject to intimidation by a foreign power, particularly members of parliament.
“That’s why I immediately asked officials to follow up on these reports,” Trudeau claimed.
Trudeau said “immediately” more than once while reading his scripted answers.
Poilievre responded: “Well that’s just false. He didn’t immediately take action. He took action after the media found out about it.”
“His government has known that a Canadian MP had his family threatened because that MP voted for human rights in the House of Commons,” Poilievre said.
“He knew about that for two years, he did absolutely nothing.”
The Globe further reported that China sees Canada as a “high priority target” and that China employs “incentives and punishment” towards various business executives, Chinese communities, and legislators in Canada.
The report also states that Chinese agents commit such acts of intimidation without fear of reprisal due to Canada not having a foreign-influence registry.
On Monday, Poiliverre asked Trudeau when a foreign-influence registry will be established.
Trudeau said “we are right now looking to establish” one.
