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The Canadian Press \/ Sean Kilpatrick<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chinese consular officials in Vancouver orchestrated a targeted campaign against Conservative MP Kenny Chiu during the 2021 federal election, validating his claims that foreign interference played a crucial role in his electoral defeat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Initiated in December 2022, the investigation found British Columbians of Chinese descent voted with direction from Chinese officials in Beijing. The Hogue Commission, which oversees the inquiry into foreign interference, learned that agents used an atmosphere of fear and media manipulation to compel voters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foreign ownership of Canadian media outlets also posed concerns, raising the potential that broadcasting regulations were violated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That said, there is insufficient legal basis to pursue charges under current Canadian laws, reported<\/a> The Bureau<\/em>. Investigators say prosecution requires a high burden of proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fines of $5,000 under the Election Act<\/em> do not adequately deter foreign interference in Canadian elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHowever, we are satisfied that foreign influence was exercised in the Chinese Canadian community in Greater Vancouver,\u201d the investigation found. MP Chiu has repeatedly attributed his 2021 election defeat to foreign interference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The former Conservative MP was targeted for attacking China\u2019s record on human rights, particularly Hong Kong, and his failed attempt to pass foreign registry legislation, according to officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tenured member of Parliament introduced Bill C-282<\/a>, An Act to establish the Foreign Influence Registry<\/em>, months before the 2021 general election to try to establish the Foreign Influence Registry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs an immigrant, it is already very challenging to build a life here in Canada,\u201d Chiu said, who immigrated from Hong Kong as a schoolboy in 1982. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A 112-page report, compiled by the Commissioner of Canada Elections (OCCE), revealed Vancouver\u2019s Chinese Consulate corroborated with local Chinese Canadian associations and media outlets to undermine Chiu’s reelection bid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chinese-language media and social media channels, primarily WeChat, portrayed MP Chiu as anti-Chinese and racist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “When I [went] door knocking\u2026there have been supporters of mine who just shut the door in my face,” said<\/a> Chiu. “There [was] so much hatred that I sense.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Findings contend Vancouver community leaders allegedly worked for China\u2019s United Front Work Department to interfere in elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evidence showed Chinese state media apparently posted false reports on Bill C-282, claiming it would put Chinese Canadians behind bars for supporting mainland China, reported<\/a> Blacklock\u2019s Reporter.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, investigators could not probe funding tied to the \u2018disinformation\u2019 campaign, as they could not identify victims intimidated by foreign agents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe need witnesses that are willing to testify,\u201d said Carmen Boucher, OCCE Executive Director, who testified that the Chinese diaspora is reluctant to come forward because of intimidation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In one redacted passage, an unidentified witness said a community leader allegedly bragged about defeating MP Chiu with help from the United Front networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the Foreign Interference Commission, MP Chiu testified<\/a> the Trudeau government \u201cleft him to drown\u201d when Chinese agents targeted his campaign. \u201cThe government doesn\u2019t seem to care,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A submission to the inquiry said Chinese proxies targeted Conservative candidates who supported the implementation of a foreign-agent registry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CSIS document adds further clarity to findings from a new Australian government report<\/a> that quoted the WeChat allegations and questioned the federal response to Chinese meddling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou weren\u2019t aware of any of these reports at the time?\u201d asked Commission Counsel Matthew Ferguson. \u201cNo,\u201d replied Chiu. \u201cI have been betrayed,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n MP Chiu lost re-election to Liberal candidate Parm Bains by 3,477 votes. Approximately 4,400 fewer residents voted for him in 2021 than in 2019 \u2014 of which nearly half translated into Liberal support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n