Canadian politician accuses China of election interference again

CNN reported on May 31 that former Canadian Conservative Party leader Erin O'Toole accused China of discrediting him through disinformation campaigns and voter manipulation in the 2021 election. O'Toole's accusations were made after he was informed about this by Canadian intelligence agencies.

Conservative Party of Canada Leader Erin O'Toole addresses parliament in December 2021

Speaking in parliament on May 30, Mr. O'Toole cited intelligence information and said: "Each of these threats is intended to discredit me, promote false narratives about my policies and seriously impede my work as a member of parliament and as leader of the opposition."

Mr. O'Toole stressed that the misinformation about him emerged as he prepared for the 2021 general election. The Liberal government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau won that election.

Mr. O'Toole also said he believes Beijing wants to retaliate against him for his call to exclude technology giant Huawei from Canada's 5G network and other issues.

China, Canada "tit for tat" diplomatic expulsions

The allegations also come amid a continuing deterioration in relations between the two countries amid concerns in Canada about Chinese influence through the operation of so-called “secret police stations,” which Ottawa says are designed to assist China in monitoring its citizens abroad.

China has repeatedly denied claims that it interferes in Canada’s political system. Following the recent tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions, Beijing accused Canadian media and some politicians of “fabricating disinformation,” according to the South China Morning Post.

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