National security adviser dismisses notion of treasonous MPs, despite watchdog report

By Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press on October 9, 2024.

Nathalie Drouin, Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister, prepares to appear before the Special Committee on the Canada-People's Republic of China Relationship, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Monday, April 29, 2024. Drouin is scheduled to appear today at a federal inquiry into foreign interference. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA – The national security and intelligence adviser is rejecting the notion there are traitors in the House of Commons, despite an eyebrow-raising report from a spy watchdog that flagged questions about politicians’ loyalties.

The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians said in June that some parliamentarians were “semi-witting or witting” participants in the efforts of foreign states to meddle in Canadian politics.

National security adviser Nathalie Drouin told a federal inquiry into foreign interference today the watchdog’s conclusion that some MPs might have acted in a treasonous manner makes her very uncomfortable, because that’s not what she sees.

Drouin said she has learned of inappropriate behaviour and lack of judgment on the part of certain politicians.

However, after reviewing the relevant intelligence she saw no MPs responsible for espionage, sabotage or other activities that put the security of Canada at risk.

Drouin said she remains extremely confident with respect to current members of Parliament.