Breaking: Canadian elections meddling unit confirmed Vancouver Chinese Consulate interfered directly against MP Kenny Chiu, but says Canadian laws don't support charges

A Canada Elections Act investigation that concluded weeks ago has revealed that Chinese consular officials in Vancouver actively directed a sophisticated, community-wide campaign during the 2021 federal election against Conservative MP Kenny Chiu.

The investigation — only initiated in December 2022 because of investigative media reports — uncovered that Chinese Canadians in British Columbia voted under an atmosphere of fear and media manipulation apparently directed by local Chinese officials and senior officials in Beijing, according to examinations Tuesday at the Hogue Commission.

It also raised concerns over the role of PRC-linked foreign ownership of Canadian media outlets, which could be in violation of Canadian broadcasting regulations.

Despite the seriousness of these findings, investigators concluded that there was insufficient legal basis under current Canadian laws to pursue charges, citing the high burden of proof required for prosecution.

“However, we are satisfied that foreign influence was exercised in the Chinese Canadian community in Greater Vancouver,” the investigation, concluded in August 2024, found.

The Commission also heard that an Elections Act investigation into allegations of potential PRC interference in Don Valley North in Toronto in 2019 continues, but no further information could be disclosed in public hearings.