Lawyers enter the hearing room as the Public Inquiry into Foreign Election Interference resumes in Ottawa, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. A federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference expects to hear today from more than a dozen diaspora community members. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
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.
