As the leader of the Green Party of Canada, I feel myself first and foremost to be a servant leader, to the Greens, as an employee of my constituents, and - hoping not to sound too goody-two shoes about it! - to the people of Canada. In that role I have probably never felt the need to put Canada first, and my party second, as I have had since the issue of foreign interference started to dominate the headlines. It seems so long ago now that the Globe and Mail first reported on leaks of top secret information alleging interference in our democracy. The first jaw-dropping story was back on February 17, 2023. Veteran Globe reporters Bob Fife and Steven Chase disclosed that having accessed top-secret and secret reports they could report that the Peoples' Republic of China attempted to disrupt the 2021 federal election to benefit the federal Liberals. The disclosures just kept coming as did demands for a public inquiry. Deflecting calls for an inquiry, on March 15, 2023, PM Trudeau appointed our former Governor General David Johnston as a "special rapporteur on foreign interference." While David Johnston's reputation took a hit through that failed effort, one thing that did stick was his suggestion that all federal party leaders be granted access to top secret security clearance to be able to read some of the same documents to which Johnston had had access. Only thanks to that new opening was I able to request, and ultimately be granted top secret security clearance, in early summer 2023. Now we are immersed in an even more shocking series of revelations that a foreign government has actually murdered Canadians on Canadian soil.
Through this whole experience it has been clear to me that, as never before, toxic partisan politics was a threat to our democracy. The best way to send foreign interests packing- whether from China, Russia, India or elsewhere is to demonstrate unity. I have always felt that one of our core Canadian values is the ability to disagree without being disagreeable. We need to show we stick together, tighten up procedures as needed, to protect democracy and our fellow citizens. It is in that spirit that I wrote to all other party leaders on June 17, 2024. When I sent the letter that follows, only Mr Poilievre and M. Blanchet had not obtained clearance:
"Dear Colleagues, As you are likely aware, I have suggested in the media that any leaders who have not yet done so, pursue the opportunity to obtain top secret security clearance, read the June 3rd report of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) so that we all share the same knowledge base from which we can combat foreign interference.
Advancing action in Canada to thwart efforts by foreign states to improperly influence Canadians or, worse, to interfere in our democracy can be more effectively pursued if we work together. We already have an extraordinary group of exemplary parliamentarians, members of NSICOP, who have done a huge amount of work. I am hoping you would agree that we meet, as many of us as are willing, in a confidential and secure setting with NSICOP members to discuss actions we could agree upon to take effective action to combat the threat and restore the confidence of Canadians in our parliament, and our democracy, well ahead of the expected 2025 election.
Thank you for your time and consideration.”
Now that the extent of foreign interference includes RCMP multidisciplinary investigations suggesting the Modi government has been implicated in extortion, threats and even the murder of Canadians, we need all leaders to demonstrate their commitment to Canada by obtaining the necessary clearance to allow the full exchange of information in a secure setting. To date, I have not received a reply from Mr. Poilievre to my letter, but M. Blanchet has started the process to obtain clearance.
Mr. Poilievre needs to do so as well.