Beijing’s Influence Over Canada Grows As Trudeau Blocks Investigations

China’s ability to manipulate Canadian institutions has expanded in recent years, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government doing little to stop it. From election interference to security breaches in top research labs, Beijing’s influence has reached deep into Canada’s government and economy, yet efforts to investigate these activities have been obstructed at every turn.

A declassified report from Canada’s intelligence community confirmed that China interfered in the country’s last two federal elections, both of which saw Trudeau’s Liberal Party maintain power. According to intelligence findings, Chinese operatives funneled money into political campaigns through intermediaries, backing at least 11 candidates in Toronto-area races. Most of these funds benefited Liberal candidates, yet Trudeau’s administration has refused to release the names involved.

Beyond elections, Canada’s security institutions have also been compromised. The National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg saw two scientists — Xiangguo Qiu and Keding Cheng — fired in 2021 after intelligence agencies determined they had secretly shared classified research with China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology. Despite warnings, the Trudeau government delayed investigations and only released documents after being forced by legal challenges.

Reports indicate that China’s influence campaign extends even further. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has targeted Canadian media organizations, engaged in social media manipulation and pressured Chinese-Canadian politicians to align with Beijing’s interests. Intelligence assessments have described the interference as a coordinated effort to reshape Canada’s political and economic policies in China’s favor.

When opposition leaders demanded a public inquiry into China’s election meddling, Trudeau’s administration fought to keep hearings closed and key findings undisclosed. A parliamentary ethics committee investigation into foreign influence was also blocked, continuing a pattern of secrecy from the government.

Concerns over China’s infiltration have now reached the U.S., where lawmakers are requesting intelligence briefings on how deep the CCP’s reach extends into Canada. American officials are particularly concerned about China’s ability to influence Canada’s policies, given its close ties to U.S. national security. Meanwhile, Canada’s own government continues to downplay the issue, raising further questions about Trudeau’s handling of the growing foreign threat.

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