Trudeau says he has list of Conservatives vulnerable to foreign interference

By Jim Bronskill and Laura Osman, The Canadian Press on October 16, 2024.

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has refused to get the security clearance necessary to be briefed on a list of people in his party who are vulnerable to foreign interference.

Trudeau told a public inquiry today he has directed Canada’s spy service to inform Poilievre of the information so he can make decisions to protect the integrity of his party.

Trudeau said Poilievre, however, has opted not to receive classified briefings – a decision that he finds bewildering.

He says it also means nobody can stand up for the people in question if the intelligence is poor, incomplete or simply contains allegations from a single source.

Poilievre has previously defended his choice not to try to obtain a high-level security clearance.

He has said it would prevent him from speaking out about what he has learned in secret briefings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2024.

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