Prime minister urged to name names after explosive testimony

Photo: Contributed

Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas

In May of last year, I wrote about the critical issue of foreign interference in Canada's democratic process.

Since then, an undeniable stream of intelligence leaks has exposed the Liberal government's glaring inaction regarding foreign interference. This has compelled numerous groups, including the Conservative official Opposition in the House of Commons, to demand an independent public inquiry.

Despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal caucus's initial resistance, our relentless pressure ultimately forced the establishment of such an inquiry. In September of last year, the prime minister had no choice but to appoint Marie-Josée Hogue, a Quebec Appeals Court judge, to lead an independent inquiry into foreign interference.

This week, the inquiry took a dramatic turn as Trudeau and several of his most senior political staff were compelled to testify, facing a barrage of probing questions. During the prime minister's testimony, he made the explosive claim that he had the names of several parliamentarians, former parliamentarians and candidates in the Conservative Party of Canada who are “engaged in, at high risk of, or for whom there is clear intelligence about, foreign interference."

Shockingly, the prime minister steadfastly refuses to publicly release any names or other information to substantiate his serious allegation.

Given the gravity of the allegation, I unequivocally state for the record that I fully support the immediate and complete release of all names involved to Canadians. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre swiftly issued a forceful response to the prime minister’s allegation.

Poilievre demanded Trudeau release the names of all MPs who have allegedly collaborated with foreign interference.”

If Justin Trudeau has evidence to support his claims, he must share it with the public immediately,” said Poilievre. “Now that he's made vague allegations at a commission of inquiry, he has an obligation to release the specific facts."

Given Trudeau's glaring failure to produce any documentation or provide names, Poilievre rightfully accused him of blatant "grandstanding."

Poilievre emphasized the record clearly shows Trudeau and his government—despite having full access to all government agencies—were repeatedly warned about foreign interference, including within the Liberal Party, but deliberately refused to act.

Poilievre also reminded Canadians of the undeniable fact Trudeau and his government repeatedly claim they were unaware of foreign interference, despite an irrefutable paper trail of warnings from officials.

It has also been revealed the government inexplicably and inexcusably delayed signing a CSIS surveillance warrant application for a well-known Liberal power-broker for 54 days before finally approving it.

Conservatives continue to demand the immediate release of names of parliamentarians mentioned in this spring's explosive report by the National Security Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians.

These parliamentarians, MPs and senators, both sitting and retired, are alleged to have knowingly or unwittingly worked for the benefit of foreign governments against Canadian interests.

My question this week:

Do you believe Prime Minister Justin Trudeau must release all of these names publicly? Why or why not?

I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.

Dan Albas is the Conservative MP for Central Okanagan-Simlkameen-Nicola.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.