Liberals say foreign meddling inquiry should look into MP allegations

By The Canadian Press on June 10, 2024.

Federal opposition parties say a public inquiry into foreign interference must address findings that some MPs "wittingly" participated in meddling. Liberal MP David McGuinty, Chair of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, responds to questions from reporters before heading into a caucus meeting in Ottawa, Wednesday, June 5, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA – Democratic Institutions Minister Dominic LeBlanc says the Liberals support an effort to expand the scope of the foreign interference inquiry so it can investigate allegations against MPs.

He says government MPs will support a Bloc Québécois motion to that effect, which is being debated in the House of Commons today.

The motion says the inquiry must dig into findings by a national security committee that some MPs “wittingly” participated in foreign meddling.

LeBlanc previously said the government wouldn’t release their names, saying intelligence reports can contain unverified information and it’s up to the RCMP to lay charges where appropriate.

The Conservatives and NDP have both penned letters to LeBlanc saying the inquiry led by Quebec judge Marie-Josée Hogue must be asked to report on the allegations.

During question period today, LeBlanc said senior officials have already begun discussions with the Hogue Commission about expanding its work.