LeBlanc accuses Tories of theatrics as they push for names of MPs in meddling report

By The Canadian Press on June 6, 2024.

The Peace Tower of Parliament Hill is pictured in Ottawa, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Ten civil society organizations are warning that the unusually swift parliamentary study of a bill to counter foreign interference could result in flawed laws that violate people's rights. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA – Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc accused Conservative MPs of theatrics today as they pressed the government to release the names of MPs allegedly engaged in foreign interference.

An intelligence watchdog said in a public report this week that that some MPs wittingly assisted the efforts of foreign states to meddle in Canadian politics.

The blunt report has prompted concern that members engaged in interference might still be active in politics, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called Wednesday for the Liberal government to disclose their names.

Conservative members of the House of Commons public safety and national security committee challenged LeBlanc today on the government’s refusal to reveal their identities.

LeBlanc told the committee that intelligence reports can contain unverified intelligence that does not provide a complete picture.

He said it is up to the RCMP to investigate and lay charges if warranted, as that’s how things work in a rule-of-law democracy.