The agency said it could not conclusively refute the allegations by former Conservative Party of Canada Member of Parliament (MP) Leona Alleslev.
On Aug. 26, Alleslev revealed in an affidavit that the Chinese Canadian Community informed her that CCP agents worked as poll workers during the 2021 federal campaign. Alleslev claimed that approximately "half the Chinese Canadian constituents she canvassed" expressed fear of voting due to potential repercussions against themselves or their families, both in Canada and China. (Related: Canada to begin inquiry into allegations that CCP agents meddled in Canadian elections.)
Alleslev also revealed that some constituents think there were CCP agents present in local Elections Canada offices and polling stations.
"Around half the Chinese Canadian constituents she canvassed would tell Ms. Alleslev they were afraid to vote for her because they feared repercussions against themselves or their family members both in Canada and in China," read the affidavit filed by Alleslev and her lawyers. "Some claimed they took the threat seriously because there were agents of the Chinese Communist Party working in the local Elections Canada office and in the polling stations or monitoring outside of the significantly reduced number of polling stations to watch who voted."
In line with this, Elections Canada admitted that no background checks were conducted on volunteers even though all poll workers were required to sign a declaration promising nonpartisanship and the protection of voter secrecy.
"It would be impossible for us to make any kind of determination with certainty," Elections Canada stated. "All poll workers sign a solemn declaration that they will be non-partisan while working at an election and protect the secrecy of the vote."
However, Elections Canada argued that "safeguards are present at every stage of the electoral process" and that transparency is a core principle of electoral democracy.
Foreign Interference Commission to investigate potential foreign infiltration in Canadian elections
This raised questions about the possibility of foreign operatives infiltrating the polls, particularly in Aurora-Oak Ridges, where Alleslev lost her seat to Liberal MP Leah Taylor Roy by 1,460 votes in one of the closest races of the 2021 federal election.
In line with this, the Foreign Interference Commission, headed by Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, was established to investigate potential interference by China, Russia and other foreign or non-state actors in Canada's 43rd and 44th general elections in 2019 and 2021, respectively. The Commission seeks to uncover the truth about any impacts on the integrity of these elections.
Earlier this year, Hogue pledged to remain impartial and committed to uncovering the truth.
"Commission lawyers and I are neutral and impartial," said Hogue. "We represent the public interest. Our goal is to uncover the truth whatever it may be… Foreign interference in our democratic institutions is a very serious issue."
To date, the commission already identified 13 electoral districts with suspicious activities and will continue hearings in September.
CommunistChina.news has more stories related to China and the Chinese Communist Party.
Watch Chinese affairs analyst Gordon Chang expounding on the CCP's infiltration of the United States.
This video is from the Free4eva Media channel on Brighteon.com.
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