Chinese Canadians tell inquiry of chilling effects of foreign interference publicity

By Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press on October 2, 2024.

OTTAWA – A former Alberta politician says publicity about foreign interference is discouraging Chinese Canadians from seeking elected office or even making donations to candidates.

Teresa Woo-Paw, who sat in the Alberta legislature from 2008 to 2015, told a public inquiry today that members of the Chinese community are putting aside thoughts of running in elections because they don’t want their loyalty publicly questioned.

Woo-Paw, chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation since 2018, says these fears will have a generational impact with fewer Chinese Canadians elected to public office.

She says some also worry they will be accused of trying to interfere in an election if they donate to a nominee’s campaign.

Woo-Paw was among members of the Chinese community who told the inquiry of unintended chilling effects from the current public controversy over foreign interference.

The inquiry proceedings today feature a series of panels touching on issues including racism, public awareness, civil liberties and disinformation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 1, 2024.

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