NEW DELHI: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday appeared before a public inquiry investigating foreign interference in Canada‘s electoral process, asserting his government’s commitment to safeguarding Canadians.
During the address, Trudeau addressed the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, highlighting his government’s stance on defending the rights and freedoms of all individuals residing in Canada.
During the inquiry led by Quebec judge Marie-Josee Hogue, Trudeau criticized the previous Conservative administration for allegedly being “cosy” with the current Indian government.
“In a public setting, I can’t speak to redactions made for national security. But, I will say that the principle that anyone who comes to Canada from anywhere in the world has all the rights of a Canadian to be free from extortion, coercion, interference from a country that they left behind and how we have stood up for Canadians, including in the very serious case that I brought forward to Parliament of the killing of Nijjar, demonstrates our government’s commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of Canadians.”
“And the suggestion that we haven’t and we won’t do everything we can to defend Canadian rules and values and defend Canadians from foreign interference is simply misplaced. Our government has always stood up to defend minorities in Canada and the rights of minorities to speak out even if it irritates their home countries overseas,” Trudeau is heard in a video of the inquiry proceedings shared by Canadian newspaper The Global and Mail.
Meanwhile, Trudeau denounced allegations of foreign meddling in Canadian politics, triggered by anonymous leaks and media reports.
The inquiry delved into the issue of foreign interference during the 2019 elections, with Trudeau highlighting the measures his government has implemented since assuming power in 2015 to combat such activities. He expressed concerns over sensationalized leaks that could undermine public confidence in the democratic process, emphasizing the complexities of analyzing intelligence in a responsible manner.
During the address, Trudeau addressed the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, highlighting his government’s stance on defending the rights and freedoms of all individuals residing in Canada.
During the inquiry led by Quebec judge Marie-Josee Hogue, Trudeau criticized the previous Conservative administration for allegedly being “cosy” with the current Indian government.
“In a public setting, I can’t speak to redactions made for national security. But, I will say that the principle that anyone who comes to Canada from anywhere in the world has all the rights of a Canadian to be free from extortion, coercion, interference from a country that they left behind and how we have stood up for Canadians, including in the very serious case that I brought forward to Parliament of the killing of Nijjar, demonstrates our government’s commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of Canadians.”
“And the suggestion that we haven’t and we won’t do everything we can to defend Canadian rules and values and defend Canadians from foreign interference is simply misplaced. Our government has always stood up to defend minorities in Canada and the rights of minorities to speak out even if it irritates their home countries overseas,” Trudeau is heard in a video of the inquiry proceedings shared by Canadian newspaper The Global and Mail.
Meanwhile, Trudeau denounced allegations of foreign meddling in Canadian politics, triggered by anonymous leaks and media reports.
The inquiry delved into the issue of foreign interference during the 2019 elections, with Trudeau highlighting the measures his government has implemented since assuming power in 2015 to combat such activities. He expressed concerns over sensationalized leaks that could undermine public confidence in the democratic process, emphasizing the complexities of analyzing intelligence in a responsible manner.
