There are no clear answers on whether federal politicians accused of “wittingly” colluding with foreign states could run in the next election.
A stunning report by the federal national security committee of parliamentarians Monday revealed that multiple federal politicians allegedly knowingly participated in foreign interference schemes over the last five years.
That’s spurring concerns about whether those individuals should be named, removed from their current positions or roles and barred from running again in the next election, as the Liberal government continues to refuse to reveal their identities.
The chair of the committee, Liberal MP David McGuinty, said he is not in a position to say whether those as-yet unidentified politicians will be allowed to run under their parties’ banners.
McGuinty said the members of the committee of parliamentarians — which includes representation from all parties, as well as senators — are bound by Canada’s official secrets law.
“That means if they inadvertently reveal information, they can be prosecuted…. The committee’s hands are tied,” McGuinty said on his way to the Liberal caucus meeting Wednesday.
By law, the Liberals must call an election by October 2025.
It’s unclear if the identities of the alleged colluders will be revealed by then — if they will be permitted to stand for re-election, or if they are sitting MPs now.
But the report has set off a wave of speculation and concern in the halls of Parliament with both the New Democrats and the Bloc Québécois demanding action.
The NSICOP report released Monday described several activities involving parliamentarians allegedly collaborating with countries like China and India, including revealing state secrets and accepting money or favours from diplomats.
