Many Chinese Canadians have expressed concerns about the presence of Chinese agents at Elections Canada offices and polling stations, according to former Conservative MP Leona Alleslev. In a sworn affidavit submitted to the Foreign Interference Commission, Alleslev stated that during her door-to-door campaigning in 2021, Chinese Canadian constituents shared their fears of being identified by Chinese agents if they went to vote. Some claimed that there were agents of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) working within local Elections Canada offices and polling stations or monitoring outside the limited number of polling stations due to COVID-19 restrictions.
On the other hand, some constituents believed that the Conservative Party aimed to discredit both the CCP and ethnic Chinese individuals while seeking to undermine China’s sovereignty and economic power. Alleslev noted that many individuals in this category expressed similar points, with one even presenting a printed email containing “talking points” about the Conservative Party.
Alleslev also mentioned instances where her constituents received messages portraying her as anti-Chinese or suggesting that she could revoke immigration status, prevent citizenship applications, deny student visas or visitor visas for family members, terminate benefits, or initiate deportations. These claims were included in an affidavit submitted by Alleslev.
During his 2021 election campaign platform, Conservative leader Erin O’Toole outlined a comprehensive plan to address Beijing’s aggressions and human rights violations both domestically and internationally. Justice Hogue’s report highlighted O’Toole’s motion recognizing Uyghur persecution as genocide and Tory MP Kenny Chiu’s private member’s bill proposing a foreign agent registry – both initiatives targeted by Beijing’s disinformation during the 2021 election.
The report also cited an article published by China’s state media source Global Times titled “Canadian Tories’ ’hostile China blueprint’ caters to toxic atmosphere against Beijing amid sour ties.” It revealed how several popular WeChat news accounts in Canada shared this story between September 10th and September 16th in 2021. The report emphasized these examples as part of Beijing’s disinformation attacks against Conservatives.
It is worth noting that Aurora–Oak Ridges–Richmond Hill riding has a significant ethnic Chinese minority population. In the 2021 election, Alleslev secured 42.1 percent of votes but lost to Liberal candidate Leah Taylor Roy who received 45.2 percent.
Allegedly due to previous experiences with Elections Canada’s lack of clear processes and unresponsiveness on other matters, Alleslev did not report her concerns regarding foreign interference directly to Elections Canada or the Office of Commissioner for Canada Elections.
In response to these allegations raised by Alleslev, Elections Canada stated it cannot make any definitive determination on whether there are foreign agents present since there is no official registry available for comparison purposes. However, they assured that certain safeguards are implemented throughout all stages of electoral processes such as private voting behind screens; counting votes in front of candidates’ representatives or designated observers; conducting independent audits; ensuring poll workers perform their duties properly; requiring poll workers sign declarations committing them towards non-partisanship while protecting vote secrecy; facilitating orderly voting for electors.
Elections Canada encouraged anyone with concerns regarding foreign interference during electoral events or otherwise contact them so appropriate actions can be taken.