2017 Memo Advised Trudeau to Avoid Criticizing China Despite Evidence of CCP Interference

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to the media following a bilateral meeting with Quebec Premier Francois Legault in Montreal, on March 15, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was advised in a secret 2017 memo against publicly criticizing China in spite of evidence that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) agents were engaging in interference activities in Canada.

The June 29, 2017, memo from cabinet aides came at a time when Ottawa was attempting to negotiate a Chinese free trade agreement.