Conservative leader Pierre Poilièvre says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should take the first step and launch an independent public inquiry into allegations of foreign interference.
The Trudeau government has called on the opposition parties to establish the terms of reference and timetable
Conservative leader Pierre Poilièvre says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should take the first step and launch an independent public inquiry into allegations of foreign interference.
He says only then will the Conservatives give the Liberal government a list of proposed names for people to lead the process.
The official opposition leader made his demand in a letter to Secretary of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc.
Poilièvre also promised to present a mandate and terms of reference for an investigation within 48 hours of Trudeau’s call.
The Liberals have left the door open for an investigation, but want federal opposition parties to work together to set the terms of reference and timetable and appoint a commissioner to lead it.
All parties agree that the results of the 2019 and 2021 federal elections have not been compromised, but opposition MPs say a public inquiry into foreign interference attempts is the only way for Canadians to gain confidence in the electoral system.
Former Governor General David Johnston had been appointed special rapporteur to investigate foreign interference in Canada’s democratic affairs, but he resigned earlier this month, citing a highly politicized atmosphere.
Conservatives stand ready to work with other parties to help build an impartial public inquiry into Beijing’s meddling.
The Prime Minister just has to call one. pic.twitter.com/dcc2NFLJad
