The Peterborough Examiner e-edition

Johnston decries MP’s ‘false’ claims

‘Serious shortcomings’ found as hearings on foreign meddling set to begin next month

MICKEY DJURIC

A rift continues to grow between federal opposition parties and former governor general David Johnston, who insists he will not let the politicization of foreign interference and what he described as false claims deter him from his work.

He says reforms are urgently needed to address “serious shortcomings” in how the government deals with the flow of intelligence regarding bad foreign actors.

Johnston, whom Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed to investigate alleged meddling in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections, appeared before a parliamentary committee Tuesday for a marathon three hours of testimony.

He urged all parliamentarians to focus on facts to help improve democracy for Canadians.

“We hope to devote ourselves to have as much light as possible on the key issue: how is our system working? From our report: not at all well,” Johnston said, citing his first report on foreign interference released last month.

The second part of his mandate will include public hearings to be held over the next five months, during which government representatives, national security officials and members of the diaspora community are expected to testify.

Those who don’t want to appear publicly for fear of speaking out will have the chance to provide their testimony privately, said Johnston.

He said his work will be supported by three special advisers with expertise on national security intelligence, law and diaspora communities.

“Together, we’ll develop recommendations on urgent changes necessary to protect Canada’s institutions, and crucially, Canadians’ faith in these institutions,” Johnston said during his testimony.

He released a report last month that found significant shortcomings in the way the federal government handles intelligence about alleged foreign meddling.

“Methods of foreign interference are rapidly becoming more sophisticated. I’ve identified significant shortcomings to detect, combat

Those who don’t want to appear publicly for fear of speaking out will have the chance to provide their testimony privately

and deter this growing threat,” Johnston said Tuesday.

Opposition parties were not swayed by Johnston’s testimony. Conservative MP Michael Cooper said his reporting was “whitewashed,” and NDP MP Peter Julian claimed Johnston’s testimony contradicted elements of his report.

He also denied having any meetings, dinners or contact with Trudeau in the past 40 years, saying the friendship was with his father.

“I have deep respect for the House of Commons and for its right to express my opinion on my work. I hear clearly the disagreement, and allegations (about) my integrity and independence,” Johnston said.

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2023-06-07T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-07T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thepeterboroughexaminer.pressreader.com/article/281672554339299

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