I read with alarm the statement released by Mr. Poilievre on October 16:
“My message to Justin Trudeau is: Release the names of all MPs that have collaborated with foreign interference,”
It may well be that because he has refused to undertake the process of obtaining top secret security clearance he is unaware that he is asking that the prime minister violates the Foreign Interference and Security of Information Act.
I was clearly informed by Canada's security agencies that elements of what I read in the unredacted report of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians could not be shared at all without placing at risk Canada's intelligence gathering. In fact, even details such as the precise number of MPs who fell into the category of "witting or semi-witting" potential or current actors of foreign interference could place the Canadian Security Intelligence Service at risk. Put bluntly, it could endanger peoples' lives.
Mr. Poilievre's choice to remain in ignorance of security and intelligence is more than troubling. The public version of the NSICOP report referenced allegations of foreign interference in the Conservative Party's leadership race, specifically in reference to India (at paragraph 73). [*** This paragraph was deleted to remove injurious or privileged information. The paragraph described India’s alleged interference in a Conservative Party of Canada leadership race. ***]
The only way for Canadians to know that the Official Opposition has not been compromised through foreign interference is for its leader to seek and obtain top secret security clearance. I have urged him to do so since June 2024. With greater urgency, I urge him to do so now. Pierre Poilievre is the only person in a position to clear the air about the Conservative Party and any potential favours owed to foreign interests.
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Elizabeth May is available for interviews from her riding Thursday, October 17.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
Press secretary
514-463-0021