The public inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian elections is scheduled to begin hearings in early 2024.
The inquiry will primarily focus on China and Russia, as well as other foreign actors to investigate what influence they had over the federal elections of 2019 and 2021.
Additionally, the inquiry will attempt to answer whether or not Ottawa has the capabilities of detecting foreign interference.
The first inquiry report is due in February and a final report will be due by the end of next year, according to CBC.
“Our timeline is ambitious and it will require the inquiry, and all interested parties to work expeditiously and cooperatively with each other,” said inquiry commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue in a statement. “I look forward to working with all those involved.”
Hogue said the inquiry would provide as much information as possible to the public “within the bounds of the law and without jeopardizing national security.”
“While this will be a difficult balance to strike, I will do my utmost to achieve it, as both objectives are paramount,” said Hogue.
The inquiry stems back to allegations that China had interfered in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. The allegations have since been denied by the Chinese embassy.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had initially appointed former governor general David Johnston to be a special rapporteur on potential Chinese interference, however Johnston resigned due to mounting public pressure that his appointment was a conflict of interest.
Johnson faced criticism due to the fact that he was family friends with the Trudeaus and his previous role on the Trudeau Foundation.
In his role as special rapporteur, Johnson had recommended against calling a public inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian elections.
On Thursday, Hogue confirmed that the inquiry would focus primarily on the two federal elections.
“The first phase will focus on the interference that China, Russia and other foreign actors may have engaged in, and any impact it had on the 2019 and 2021 elections,” the inquiry wrote. “The inquiry will also examine and assess the flow of information within the federal government in relation to these issues, and evaluate the actions taken in response.”
Public hearings will begin at the beginning of next year and in the fall of 2024.
Beginning on Nov. 10, more information about the process will be made public and interested parties may apply to be part of the inquiry as well. Members of the public will be allowed to submit information and observations.
