Canada argues over politics again
Justin Trudeau is being called upon to replace the Foreign Intervention Rapporteur. He disagrees.
Canada's political life is once again in turmoil. Conservative Party representatives and their supporters hated David Johnston and are demanding his resignation. He was previously appointed rapporteur on foreign interference in Canadian politics. He investigated and denied rumors of alleged Chinese interference in the 2015 Canadian election. You can read a brief summary of his report here.
A majority of MPs voted to dismiss Johnston, but Trudeau has no intention of removing him from office. The prime minister believes that the former governor general should conclude his investigation and make his final report in October. Before that, he will hold public hearings across the country.
Trudeau says Johnston is dedicated and takes a hard look at all the facts.
Earlier this week, the House of Commons passed a New Democratic Party initiative supported by Conservative MPs and the Quebec bloc. According to it, Johnston should leave office and the investigation should be carried out publicly. Previously, the rapporteur had urged against it under no circumstances: the Chinese interference is fictitious and would not be confirmed, but it could become public information that constitutes state secrets.
Pierre Poilevre says that Johnston is connected to the Trudeau family and therefore should not be investigating. He has reasons to hide the truth in order to protect the current prime minister. However, even the Conservative leader has no idea who can replace the former Governor General. It turns out that the Conservative Party and the Bloc du Québec insist on the removal of Johnston, but cannot propose his replacement.
Johnston denies all accusations and says he is completely impartial. He interacted with Trudeau Sr. ex officio, not as a friend. He refuses to leave office: "I deeply respect the right of the House of Commons to express my views on my future work, but my mandate comes from the government. I have a duty to continue my work until the end of my mandate."
Justin Trudeau himself accused his opponents of bias and trying to defame Johnston in order to get revenge for losing the 2015 election.
