David Johnston, the Trudeau government-appointed special rapporteur on foreign interference, will have a say in defining his own mandate, the former governor general said on March 17.
Johnston and federal officials will work together on defining the scope and duties associated with his new role before they’re announced publicly, the new rapporteur told The Canadian Press in a statement.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on March 15 Johnston would serve as “independent special rapporteur” to look into foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections.
The move comes amid calls to hold a public inquiry on the matter, as a steady stream of leaked national security information has been appearing in the press since last November.
Johnston told The Canadian Press he feels privileged by the appointment.
The Epoch Times reached out to his office at the Rideau Hall Foundation but didn’t immediately hear back.
While Trudeau has decided against holding a public inquiry, he said he would abide by a rapporteur’s recommendation to hold one.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has supported the appointment, saying on March 16 that Johnston is someone with a “strong reputation of integrity.”
Trudeau reacted to criticism of the appointment by saying there is no one better placed than Johnston to put the interests of the country first.
“I’m really hoping that the nomination of Mr. Johnston is going to be able to bring down the temperature on this issue,” he told reporters on March 17.
