The News Freedom
New Delhi, January 25
Canada’s public inquiry into foreign interference in elections is expanding its scope to examine alleged meddling by India in the 2019 and 2021 federal polls, the commission announced Wednesday.
The move comes amidst rising concerns about foreign influence in Canadian elections, with previous focus placed on China and Russia. CTV News reported that the commission requested documents from the federal government related to the India allegations.
This marks a new phase in the inquiry, which was officially launched in September 2023 under Justice Marie-Josée Hogue. The initial phase focused on potential interference from China, Russia, and other actors in the 2019 and 2021 elections.
The commission’s statement, quoted by CTV News, indicated an intention to investigate “any role India might have played” in influencing the two elections. Public hearings are set to begin on Monday, tackling the challenges of disclosing sensitive national security information publicly.
The inquiry is expected to deliver an interim report by May 3, 2024, with a final report due by the end of the year. India has previously denied any involvement in interfering with Canadian elections.