May said that 'fewer than a handful' of MPs may have been compromised by foreign interference but that it 'falls far short' of disloyalty to Canada
Author of the article:
Catherine Lévesque
Published Jun 11, 2024 • Last updated 4days ago • 4 minute read
![Elizabeth May says there is 'no list' of treacherous MPs in foreign interference report (1) Elizabeth May says there is 'no list' of treacherous MPs in foreign interference report (1)](https://i0.wp.com/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/nationalpost/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Elizabeth-May-1.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=288&h=216&sig=4RKraeT48GIpxrjmn7CDpg)
OTTAWA — Green Party co-Leader Elizabeth May said the unredacted version of a bombshell report on foreign interference shows that “fewer than a handful” of MPs may have been compromised, but that it “falls far short” of disloyalty to Canada.
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Elizabeth May says there is 'no list' of treacherous MPs in foreign interference report Back to video
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.
May was the first party leader to read the entire report by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) that found that some parliamentarians were “semi-witting or witting” participants in foreign interference efforts in Canadian politics.
Advertisem*nt 2
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
- Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
- Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
- Support local journalism.
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE ARTICLES
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
- Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
- Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
- National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
- Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
- Support local journalism.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
- Access articles from across Canada with one account.
- Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
- Enjoy additional articles per month.
- Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Don't have an account? Create Account
or
View more offers
Article content
May, after obtaining her top-secret security clearance to see the unredacted report, told reporters on Tuesday that she was limited in what she could or could not say publicly.
But she insisted that the few names that she saw in the report went from “witting and unwitting to wilful blindness” when it came to foreign influence, and that there should have been questions about what MPs were aware of, such as busing in people during nomination contests.
In any case, she said there is no “list” of names of treacherous MPs in the document.
“Having read the full unredacted National Security Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians report, for myself, I can say I have no worries about anyone in the House of Commons. There is no list of MPs who have shown disloyalty to Canada,” she said.
May added that she was “vastly relieved” that the most “worrying case” in the report was the former MP who proactively provided privileged information to a foreign operative.
She said that person should be fully investigated and prosecuted, and that their name should come out publicly. That person’s name was not included in the unredacted report.
First Reading
Your guide to the world of Canadian politics. (Subscriber exclusive on Saturdays)
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Advertisem*nt 3
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
May said that while she is “in awe” of the committee’s work on the file, it has been “eclipsed by a totally understandable media firestorm which in my view, is overblown.”
Recommended from Editorial
- Federal parties agree to ask commissioner to investigate treason allegations in watchdog report
- Fun National Post party game: Who’s the Parliamentary traitor?
The federal government has been under pressure to release the names of MPs mentioned in the NSICOP report, which it has refused to do. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said he could face criminal prosecution if he ever decides to disclose that information.
For now, the government and opposition parties agree with the Bloc Québécois’ motion to ask Justice Marie-Josée Hogue to look into the allegations contained in the NSICOP report as part of her work as commissioner of the public inquiry into foreign interference.
May said that while she was intending to vote in favour of the Bloc’s motion, she changed her mind after reading the unredacted version of the NSICOP report. The motion was adopted by all parties, with only May and Green MP Mike Morrice voting against.
Advertisem*nt 4
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
“I think it’s throwing a hot potato in the wrong soup pot,” she said. “Madam Justice Hogue has a lot on her plate and short timelines … Where would we be at the end of the day when she reports back? Probably where we are now.”
She said that is why parliamentarians should take responsibility for that “hot potato.”
May suggested that they “fortify the binding nature” of their oath when they are sworn in as members of Parliament. She also said that the ethics commissioner should work with the intelligence community and be prepared to issue reports on matters of interference.
May also said that, on a personal level, she is against sponsored travel for MPs, as it could leave them more vulnerable to influence from foreign countries.
“Is there really a free lunch in politics? Do we just think this is what politicians get as a perk? I just think it is bad practice and while we’re tightening up the rules and looking at foreign influence and foreign interference, I think they should not be allowed.”
May said she reimbursed the costs of a trip she took in 2018 that was sponsored by the Palestinian Authority to visit disputed territories, and that others did the same.
Advertisem*nt 5
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Finally, she called on all other party leaders to follow her lead and read the full NSICOP report — arguing that “a commitment to not knowing something isn’t wise.”
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will be receiving his confidential briefing on Wednesday. He already said that he would not hesitate to kick out any of his MPs who were found to have “wittingly” collaborated with foreign powers.
Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet is in the process of receiving his top-secret security clearance. He said that he wants to make sure none of his MPs are under foreign influence. If that was the case, he is asking them not to run in the next election.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had access to the report months ago.
Only Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has refused to get his security clearance to see the full contents of the NSICOP report — arguing that he would be bound to secrecy.
National Post
calevesque@postmedia.com
Get more deep-dive National Post political coverage and analysis in your inbox with the Political Hack newsletter, where Ottawa bureau chief Stuart Thomson and political analyst Tasha Kheiriddin get at what’s really going on behind the scenes on Parliament Hill every Wednesday and Friday, exclusively for subscribers. Sign up here.
Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our politics newsletter, First Reading, here.
Article content
Comments
You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.
Create an AccountSign in
Join the Conversation
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.
Trending
- After his Air Canada flight was cancelled, passenger says he was put on plane used by NHL teams
- 'The living will envy the dead': Inside the imagined thoughts of Chrystia Freeland
- Meet the student group — with alleged links to Hamas — driving the anti-Israel encampments
- McGill encampment to host anti-Israel 'revolutionary youth summer program'
- Life in Calgary after water main break: Unflushed toilets and 3-minute showers
Read Next
Latest from Shopping Essentials
- Canadian brands giving back for Pride month The best in fashion, beauty and more
1day ago Shopping Essentials
- Best new gear added to lululemon’s 'We Made Too Much' section Reliable styles at can't-miss prices
1day ago Deals
Advertisem*nt 2
Story continues below
This advertisem*nt has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
- Meet your new summer makeup (and anytime!) bag It beauty brand MERIT has teamed up with London-based contemporary fashion brand TOVE for a covetable crossover collaboration.
1day ago
- Healthy snacks that are shelf-stable and Canadian Protein bars, vitamin chocolate, salty treats and more
1day ago Shopping Essentials
- Amazon's weird and wonderful kitchen tools are worth adding to cart Shop the best kitchen gadgets that start under $20
1day ago Shopping Essentials
This Week in Flyers