RCMP Investigating Foreign Interference Targeting MP Michael Chong

Conservative MP for Wellington-Halton Hills Michael Chong votes against a motion of privilege on the Intimidation campaign against members of Parliament in the House of Commons, in Ottawa, on May 9, 2023. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says his police force has launched an investigation into recent reports of foreign interference targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong.

“The RCMP has opened an investigation of reported allegations [of] intimidation targeting Honourable Michael Chong and has contacted the Commissioner of Canada Elections regarding other allegations that have come to light,” Duheme said while he testified before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC) on June 13.

Duheme said the RCMP only found out about the issue through the media and PROC proceedings.

The Globe and Mail reported in early May on a 2021 assessment from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) which mentioned the Chinese regime was targeting MPs for their stance on human rights in China. That information was distributed to relevant departments but never briefed to ministers, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other ministers and senior officials have said.

Former special rapporteur on foreign interference David Johnston says he examined the intelligence related to the Chong affair in his report tabled on May 23.

He wrote that Chinese regime officials had “contemplated action directed at both Chinese Canadian MPs and their family members in China, and sought to build profiles on others.” Johnston added there is “no intelligence indicating that the PRC took steps to threaten his family. There is intelligence indicating they were looking for information.”

Deputy Commissioner Mark Flynn told the committee that the RCMP also reached out to Elections Canada regarding other allegations of foreign interference that have recently come to light, including those from former Conservative party leader Erin O'Toole and NDP MP Jenny Kwan.

O'Toole told the House of Commons last month that CSIS told him he and his party had been the target of a “voter suppression” and misinformation campaign during the 2021 federal election.

Kwan told reporters on May 29 that CSIS had also warned her that she has been a longtime target of Beijing and will continue to be targeted due to her outspoken stance against the communist regime.

Flynn said, however, that the force has not opened investigations into the cases involving O'Toole, Kwan, or any other MPs.

Matthew Horwood contributed to this report.