NDP MP Says Disclosing Names of Parliamentarians Cited in Collusion Report Would Deter Others

Jenny Kwan, the NDP MP for Vancouver East, appears as a witness at the Foreign Interference Commission in Ottawa on April 3, 2024. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

NDP MP Jenny Kwan is calling for the names of parliamentarians accused of colluding with foreign entities to be released, saying it would deter similar behaviour and help restore the reputations of all MPs, who she says are currently “under a cloud of suspicion.”

“I believe we must find a way to disclose which MPs are knowingly, intentionally, wittingly or semi-wittingly engaging with foreign states or their proxies to undermine Canada’s democratic processes and institutions,” Ms. Kwan said in the House of Commons on June 18. “I believe this can be done in a way that does not compromise national security.”

Her remarks were in relation to a June 3 report released by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), saying that some parliamentarians had been “semi-witting or witting” participants in efforts by malign foreign states to interfere in Canadian politics.

NSICOP, which reviews the activities of Canada’s national security and intelligence agencies, did not disclose the identities of the parliamentarians allegedly assisting foreign states. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who has seen the names of the accused, said he cannot release them due to laws protecting classified information.

Ms. Kwan on June 18 had raised a question of privilege in the House of Commons—a complaint raised by MPs or senators when they believe their parliamentary privilege has been breached. She noted that the revelations about the collusion by parliamentarians, including those who have since left their positions, have affected all members, casting doubt on their reputations and that of the House.

Deterrent

Last year, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service informed Ms. Kwan that she was a  target of Beijing due to her outspoken critic of the Chinese regime’s human rights violations.

In her June 18 remarks, she highlighted the need for accountability, arguing that releasing the names of parliamentarians involved in foreign interference activities would deter such behaviour.

“If there are no consequences for MPs who knowingly help foreign governments act against Canadian interests, we will continue to be an easy target,” she said.

“Revealing any member of Parliament, former or present, who is a willing participant in foreign interference activities would have the effect of deterring this kind of behaviour. Moreover, it would send a clear message to those foreign states that this cannot continue, and that they will not be able to continue to use parliamentarians in this way.”

Ms. Kwan called for the matter to be referred to the House of Commons Procedure and House Affairs Committee for study. She proposed that committee members undergo the necessary security screening to access the unredacted version of the NSICOP report and investigate the allegations against parliamentarians. She suggested that these parliamentarians be notified and invited to testify before the committee.

Last week, MPs supported a Bloc Québécois motion to refer the issue to the Foreign Interference Commission, which has been investigating allegations of China’s meddling in Canadian federal elections in 2019 and 2021. In a notice released on June 17, Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue agreed to examine the issue of foreign collusion within the commission’s current terms of reference.

Interpretations

Two party leaders with security clearances have read the unredacted NSICOP report and spoken publicly on the findings, while offering conflicting perspectives.

On June 13, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed alarm after reading the report, labelling the implicated MPs as “traitors.” He had previously pledged to remove from his caucus any MP who “knowingly worked” for foreign governments, and later clarified that no members from his caucus would be removed.

Meanwhile, Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May expressed relief after reading the same report, saying “I have no worries about anyone in the House of Commons,” while also acknowledging that some MPs “may be compromised.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked by reporters on June 15 whether any Liberal MPs were named in the NSICOP report, following comments from the NDP and Green parties.

“I will let Mr. Singh and Ms. May speak for themselves,” he responded.

The Conservatives have urged the Liberal government to disclose the names of MPs involved in foreign interference, saying that withholding this information casts suspicion on all lawmakers.

Tory Leader Pierre Poilievre has declined to obtain clearance to read the classified NSICOP report, saying he does not want to be limited in what he can disclose to Canadians.

Noé Chartier contributed to this report.