Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was briefed about allegations of foreign interference related to former Liberal MP Han Dong’s riding before the 2019 election, according to a new document submitted to Canada’s inquiry into foreign election interference. The briefings informed Trudeau of allegations surrounding the nomination contest for the Toronto-area riding of Don Valley North in late September or early October 2019. While the Privy Council’s records do not reflect these briefings, the information provided suggests that Chinese international students were bused in to vote in Dong’s 2019 nomination contest, although there is no evidence that Dong was aware of these efforts.
Further information presented to a panel of senior officials tasked with warning the public about possible foreign election interference included evidence of “irregularities” in the race for Don Valley North. Nathalie Drouin, a panel member in 2019 and Trudeau’s current national security and intelligence adviser, stated that the existence of buses with students was corroborated, but other elements were not verified. Dong, who is not directly named in the interview summaries, resigned from the Liberal caucus last year and now sits as an independent. He testified at the inquiry, denying any knowledge of students using falsified documents to vote.
Despite the allegations, Trudeau defended Dong at a news conference in February 2023, referencing concerns of anti-Asian racism and asserting Dong’s loyalty to Canada. However, Trudeau dodged questions about whether his view of Dong had changed since the inquiry and whether Dong would be allowed back into the Liberal caucus. Dong told the inquiry that he would like to return to the Liberal caucus, but his initial interview with the commission did not mention the busing of students. A CSIS intelligence summary suggested that students may have been coerced into voting with false identification and veiled threats from the PRC Consulate.
The inquiry also revealed that Canada’s spy agency recorded a phone call between Dong and China’s consul general in Toronto discussing the detention of the “Two Michaels” in early 2021. However, Dong disputed claims that he advised against the immediate release of the Canadians and is suing Corus Entertainment, Global’s parent company. In the declassified document, CSIS alleged that Dong speculated to the diplomat about the impact of providing transparency around the detention of the “Two Michaels” on Canadian public opinion and political discourse. Dong denied making these statements and maintained that he has always advocated for the release of the detained Canadians.
The information presented at the inquiry paints a complex picture of potential foreign interference in the nomination contest for the Don Valley North riding in 2019. While allegations of Chinese international students being bused in to vote and Dong’s alleged discussions with Chinese officials raise concerns, concrete evidence linking Dong to these actions is lacking. Trudeau’s upcoming testimony at the inquiry may shed further light on the situation and clarify the extent of his knowledge regarding the allegations of foreign interference in Dong’s nomination contest. The ongoing investigation highlights the importance of ensuring the integrity of Canada’s electoral processes and protecting against foreign interference in future elections.
