OTTAWA | Former Governor General David Johnston has been appointed the independent Special Rapporteur on foreign interference in our federal election process.
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Prime Minister Trudeau made the announcement this afternoon after consulting all parties in the House of Commons, he said.
“David Johnston brings impeccable integrity, a wealth of experience and great skill, and I am confident that he will lead an impartial review to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to preserve and maintain trust in our democracy and.” strengthen,” said the Prime Minister.
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Mr. Johnston’s mandate is to investigate the consequences of foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. He will make recommendations on how to better protect our democracy and maintain Canadian confidence. The government says it will respect its recommendations, including opening an independent public inquiry if necessary.
Johnston, a law professor and expert on Canadian democracy, became Governor-General of Canada under Stephen Harper’s Conservative government in 2010, serving until 2017, two years after the government came to power.
Foreign interference in elections: Justin Trudeau announces intention to appoint former Governor General David Johnston as independent special rapporteur. #Polcan #tvanews
— Raymond Filion (@filionrayTVA) March 15, 2023
Before becoming the monarchy’s representative in the country, Johnston had been appointed by former Prime Minister Harper in 2007 as a special adviser responsible for drafting the mandate for a public inquiry into the Airbus affair. This investigation had led to the Oliphant Commission being tasked with shedding light on trade relations between former Prime Minister Mulroney and German-Canadian businessman Karlheinz Schreiber.
Without questioning the skills and integrity of the special rapporteur, the Bloc Québécois and the NDP continue to criticize Justin Trudeau for not launching the public inquiry demanded by all opposition parties.
“Without judging Mr. Johnston’s record, all that can be said is that Justin Trudeau has been adamant about not now opening the public and independent inquiry that everyone is calling for. It is out of the question to use the mandate of the special rapporteur, the details and duration of which we do not yet know, to keep Parliament and the people in the dark,” said Yves-François Blanchet, leader of the Quebec bloc.
“We have no problem with the selection. Mr Johnston is a respectable and honest person, added Alexandre Boulerice, NDP vice-chairman. But we have a problem with the post as such. Justin Trudeau should have shown leadership and launched a public inquiry himself (…) He is the Prime Minister.”
Who is David Johnson?
- Born June 28, 1941 near Sudbury, Ontario
- Studied at Harvard University, Cambridge University Law and Queen’s University
- Served as Vice Chancellor of McGill University, where he also taught
- Appointed Governor-General by Stephen Harper in 2010. Position until 2017, replaced by Julie Payette