OTTAWA -- The federal agency that investigates election infractions found insufficient evidence to support suggestions that Beijing wielded undue influence against the Conservatives in the Vancouver area during the 2021 federal election.
A review of the lingering issue by the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections was tabled today at a public inquiry into foreign interference.
The review focused on the unsuccessful campaign of Conservative candidate Kenny Chiu in the riding of Steveston--Richmond East and the party's larger campaign in the Vancouver area.
However, the evidence uncovered did not trigger the threshold to initiate a formal investigation under the Canada Elections Act.
Investigators therefore recommended that the review be concluded.
A summary of the review results was shared with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.