Special Rapporteur David Johnston will have two months to decide whether a public inquiry into foreign election interference is needed, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says.
Johnston’s mandate was released on Tuesday after he was named to the role last week, a position created by Trudeau’s government as it continues to face questions over its handling of suspected Chinese interference in Canadian elections and society.
Johnston will have until May 23 to make the call on whether a public inquiry is needed, or whether a different kind of independent process such as a judicial review is more appropriate. Trudeau has been under pressure to call an inquiry, but instead passed that decision off to Johnston.
“Canadians should have confidence in the democratic systems that serve them,” Trudeau said in a news release.
“As Independent Special Rapporteur, Mr. Johnston will play a crucial role in reinforcing the integrity of and upholding Canadians’ confidence in our democratic processes, and I look forward to receiving his recommendations on how we can keep taking steps to ensure Canada is protected against any attempts at undermining our democracy.”
Johnston will submit regular reports to Trudeau, which will also be shared with Leaders of the Opposition and made available to Canadians. He is expected to complete his review by Oct. 31.
More to come.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
More Stories
Fair share: the right office solution can take finding the right partner
Ontario faces crew shortages, aircraft issues in fight against wildfires | Globalnews.ca
Refugee attends open house at Downtown Eastside affordable housing facility – BC | Globalnews.ca