public inquiry

Thursday June 29, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday June 29, 2023

Canadians Deserve a Swift Resolution, Not a Lengthy Inquiry on Foreign Interference

August 2, 2019

As summer arrives in Canada, the prospect of a costly and protracted public inquiry into foreign interference is unlikely to be met with enthusiasm. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made it clear that the federal government will not proceed with any further steps to investigate this issue until there is full agreement from opposition parties. This cautious approach aims to prevent a repeat of the previous inquiry led by David Johnston, which was marred by a highly partisan atmosphere.

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc has been engaged in negotiations with opposition parties to chart a path forward. Momentum seemed to be building towards an imminent announcement, potentially involving a public inquiry or an alternative process, before the summer break. However, since then, there has been silence regarding the nature of the investigation, its leadership, and its timeline.

June 13, 2023

Earlier this week, Johnston submitted his final report to the prime minister, officially concluding his work. While the report remains confidential, opposition party leaders have been offered access to it, provided they obtain the necessary security clearance. Trudeau emphasized that responsible leadership and a serious approach are required to address foreign interference. He pointed to the excessive partisanship and toxicity that marred Johnston’s tenure, making it impossible for him to continue his work effectively.

News: David Johnston files his final report on foreign interference, but it won’t be made public  

While Trudeau seeks consensus among all parties on a new approach to tackle foreign interference, opposition parties insist on a public inquiry as a prerequisite. Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet hinted at an imminent announcement, while NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed cautious optimism but demanded a clear commitment from the government regarding a comprehensive public inquiry with full powers. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, on the other hand, has called for an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act, with his party ready to propose potential leaders and terms of reference.

May 27, 2023

Concerns have been raised that opposition parties may prefer chaos over a solution, as former Liberal and Conservative staffers fear. However, former NDP staffer Cam Holmstrom believes that announcing the inquiry at the beginning of July would be crucial in reshaping public opinion and setting the stage for the fall and the upcoming election.

Following Johnston’s resignation, Minister LeBlanc expressed his intention to consult opposition parties promptly to determine the investigation process and potential leaders of a public inquiry. However, nearly three weeks later, no agreement has been reached, and both the government and opposition parties offer little more than optimism about the ongoing negotiations.

Former Conservative staffer Fred DeLorey, who played a significant role in the 2021 federal election campaign, expresses his disappointment with the lack of serious attention to the issue of foreign interference. He suspects that some opposition parties may intentionally prolong the chaos by making unreasonable demands. DeLorey urges all parties to prioritize addressing the vulnerabilities they face in the next election instead of engaging in political gamesmanship.

News: Government hints news about a possible public inquiry into foreign interference coming soon  

April 15, 2023

April 15, 2023

Former Liberal Party staffer Greg MacEachern observes a decrease in the intensity of the debate following Johnston’s resignation, as the responsibility to find a way forward now lies with the opposition parties. He challenges them to take action and determine the next steps rather than merely criticizing the government.

Canadians deserve a swift resolution to the issue of foreign interference, one that focuses on strengthening the integrity of our elections. While it is essential to ensure broad consensus among all parties, this should not become an excuse for inaction or prolonged delays. As the summer progresses, Canadians hope that their leaders will prioritize the security of our democracy over partisan interests and deliver a comprehensive plan to safeguard our elections. (AI) | Also printed in the Toronto Star.

 

Friday June 2, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday June 2, 2023

Inaction Plagues Canada’s Security System Despite Johnston Report

May 9, 2023

The Johnston report, investigating foreign interference and the government’s response, has failed to spur meaningful efforts to address Canada’s security and intelligence communication system. The reactions to the report reflect the fractured state of Canadian politics rather than a focus on its findings. This article argues that the lack of visible action in the face of the national security threat posed by foreign interference is concerning.

Mistrust of the government, fueled by responses to COVID-19 measures and protests, has tainted the discourse. Legitimate concerns about foreign interference have been overshadowed by baseless suspicions of compromised elections. Instead of tackling core issues, there is a preoccupation with scandal and scapegoats.

Analysis: What would it take for Canada to have a ‘serious’ debate about foreign interference?  

March 26, 2013

Johnston’s analysis, based on classified intelligence, discounts political misconduct allegations and questions media reporting on leaked documents. Unfortunately, the focus on sensationalism hinders progress and ignores his valuable insights.

Two dangers emerge from this inaction. Firstly, secondary battles distract from the urgent need to address foreign interference. Secondly, partisan approaches and weakened trust create vulnerabilities that authoritarian states exploit.

Johnston stresses the need for facts and truth in national security, calling for transparency and public understanding. Declassifying documents, strengthening independent review systems, and enforcing laws against foreign interference are crucial steps. Public hearings can facilitate accountability and include the voices of affected communities.

Despite the Johnston report, there is a lack of action to address Canada’s security system. It is essential to prioritize the protection of Canadian democracy from foreign interference. Moving beyond partisanship and focusing on transparency, facts, and implementing the recommendations are crucial for safeguarding national security. (AI) | Editorial cartoon also printed in the Toronto Star.

The Parliament Buildings aren’t easy to draw. This clip shows how an old version I drew can be imported, altered, scaled, and replicated as a reference for the latest drawing. With the panda Wednesday night’s Nature episode served as added inspiration. Tablets make editorial cartooning so easy, the craft just needs younger recruits. Also, I’ve become aware of a growing thinking by people in the Chinese community that the dragon metaphor for China is cheesy and induces eye-rolls, even when referring to the clowns running operations in Beijing. – GM

 

 

 

Saturday May 27, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday May 27, 2023

Breaking the Alliance: A Necessary Step to Demand an Independent Public Inquiry

April 8, 2022

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has expressed his dedication to advocating for an impartial public inquiry into China’s interference in elections. However, the dilemma arises from his party’s alliance with the Liberals in Parliament. To exert effective pressure on the government, Singh must contemplate severing this alliance, which was initially established to support the Liberals for an additional year and a half. Given recent events and the escalating call for an inquiry, it is crucial to explore alternative avenues that guarantee transparency and accountability.

The alliance between the Liberals and NDP, known as the “supply and confidence agreement,” aimed to provide stability to the minority government. Unfortunately, it has allowed the Liberals to dismiss the voice of Parliament. Despite a majority vote of 172-149 in favor of an independent public inquiry, the Liberals have chosen to disregard it, relying on the NDP’s commitment to support them through the alliance. This situation undermines democratic principles, which require elected representatives’ voices to be heard and respected.

Globe & Mail: Mr. Singh, axe your alliance with the Liberals  

March 23, 2022

To intensify pressure on the Liberals and compel them to initiate a formal public inquiry, Jagmeet Singh should terminate the alliance. Such a move would not trigger an election but would emphasize the government’s minority mandate obtained in the 2021 election. By withdrawing their support, the NDP would demonstrate their dedication to accountability, transparency, and the restoration of Canadians’ trust in our democratic institutions.

A recent report by former governor-general David Johnston, though largely classified, emphasizes the urgent necessity of a comprehensive and independent public inquiry. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s offer to provide closed-door briefings for opposition leaders, along with access to unredacted portions of the report, falls short of satisfying this need. A public inquiry, with the power to compel testimony under oath and hold individuals accountable for their actions, is essential for a complete understanding of the events, their timeline, and the government’s response to foreign interference.

May 25, 2023

David Johnston’s recommendation for a fact-finding mission and broader hearings on foreign interference fails to address the fundamental issues at hand. While these steps are important for shaping policy improvements, they do not replace a thorough examination of what went wrong and who may bear responsibility within the government. Only a comprehensive public inquiry can provide the necessary transparency, rebuild public trust, and establish effective safeguards against future electoral interference.

All three opposition leaders, including Jagmeet Singh, continue to advocate for an independent public inquiry. Their unwavering stance aligns with the overwhelming vote in Parliament, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive examination of China’s meddling and the government’s response. Singh, by accepting the offer to review the complete report, reaffirmed his belief that a public inquiry is the sole means to restore trust and ensure a thorough investigation.

Clip: Poilievre calls on Singh to ‘do his job’ and force a public inquiry 

March 24, 2023

Jagmeet Singh must now demonstrate the sincerity of his commitment to transparency and accountability by taking bold action. Breaking the parliamentary alliance with the Liberals would convey that the NDP prioritizes safeguarding Canada’s electoral system over short-term political gains. By doing so, Singh can exert substantial pressure on the government, leading to a full and independent public inquiry that holds those responsible accountable and strengthens our democracy.

In light of mounting evidence and the overwhelming demand for an independent public inquiry, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh must reassess the effectiveness of the alliance with the Liberals. Breaking this alliance would send a clear message to the government that the NDP is unwavering in its pursuit of transparency, accountability, and the restoration of Canadians’ trust in our democratic processes. It is time to prioritize the thorough investigation that our democracy deserves, placing the interests of the nation above partisan arrangements. (AI)