Trudeau's chief of staff to testify at committee

Katie Telford, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's chief of staff has agreed to testify at the committee probing the Chinese government's interference in Canadian elections.

A parliamentary committee is investigating allegations of Chinese interference.

In addition to the committee, former Governor General David Johnston has been appointed as a Special Rapporteur. David Johnston served as governor general from 2010 to 2017. He was appointed by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

China is accused of meddling in the federal election in 2019 and 2021. China has denied the allegations.

In a statement, Trudeau said, "Canadians should have confidence in the democratic systems that serve them. As Independent Special Rapporteur, Mr. Johnston will play a crucial role in reinforcing the integrity of and upholding Canadians’ confidence in our democratic processes, and I look forward to receiving his recommendations on how we can keep taking steps to ensure Canada is protected against any attempts at undermining our democracy."

In the Fall of 2022, Ontario Premier Doug Ford was given an official intelligence briefing from CSIS regarding an MPP in the provincial Progressive Conservative Party.