Premier David Eby sought federal assistance in vetting candidates for organized crime and foreign state links.

By Sam Cooper

Summary

In a confidential meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s National Security Advisor before British Columbia’s October 2024 election, B.C. Premier David Eby requested federal help to check provincial election candidates for “covert ties to foreign states or significant organized crime links.”

A document from the Hogue Commission inquiry into foreign interference, made public after redaction, explains the reasons and motivations behind Eby’s concerns. The issues include foreign interference, election security, combating fentanyl, organized crime, money laundering, and corruption.

Eby asked if there was a mechanism for B.C. political parties to check names with federal national security authorities for such ties. The inquiry document hints at deeper apprehensions, including how Eby would be notified if any nominees or candidates had undue contact with foreign states or if a foreign state were interfering in provincial elections.

Earlier media reports, citing information obtained through freedom of information requests, disclose that in March 2023, Premier Eby met with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) after a Globe and Mail article alleged Chinese interference in Vancouver’s 2022 mayoral election.

In response to Eby’s meeting with Jody Thomas (the National Security Advisor at the time), the Privy Council Office (PCO) outlined the limitations and potential avenues for collaboration between federal and provincial authorities. Federal security and intelligence agencies conduct security screenings for federal employees, ministers, and their staff, involving strict privacy provisions and requiring the individual’s knowledge or consent. While the PCO could sponsor security clearances for B.C. provincial officials with a demonstrable need-to-know, they clarified that federal agencies do not conduct political party checks as part of their mandates.

Citing civil rights issues, the PCO indicated it was uncertain whether Eby had the authority to request to be notified if any nominees or candidates had undue contact with foreign states. Canadian political party candidates and nominees have the same rights as all Canadians, including freedom of assembly and rights against unreasonable search and seizure. However, federal security and intelligence agencies may uncover information regarding foreign-influenced activities and provincial politicians in fulfilling their mandates.

Read The Bureau article in full at the publisher’s website here.