Another blockbuster from Canadian investigative journalist Sam Cooper: Erin O’Toole, former leader of the Conservatives, was sabotaged from within his own party, emails reveal.

By Sam Cooper | The Bureau

Explosive internal Conservative Party emails obtained by The Bureau reveal that on August 26, 2021, a senior party official expressed concern over then-leader Erin O’Toole’s breakthrough in the polls—the first time the Conservatives inched ahead of Justin Trudeau’s Liberals. This same Ontario-based Chinese Canadian official would later spearhead a petition against O’Toole following the party’s election defeat, while a group of Conservatives simultaneously accused O’Toole of alienating Chinese diaspora voters, ultimately contributing to his removal as leader.

Read the full report at the publisher’s website here.

Summary

Internal Conservative Party emails reveal that a senior Chinese Canadian official expressed concern over Erin O’Toole’s rise in the polls in August 2021. This official later led a petition against O’Toole after the Conservatives’ election defeat.

Pollster Nik Nanos described the election as a “dead heat” on August 23, 2021, but by August 26, O’Toole had taken the lead, prompting criticism from some party officials. Emails show the Chinese Canadian official voicing concern over O’Toole’s polling success was later removed from the party for violating neutrality rules.

A Conservative source suggested the official supported candidates who would not take a hardline on China. Documents from the Hogue Commission inquiry, cited in a CBC report, indicate O’Toole suspected foreign interference in his ouster. The CBC notes an interview between O’Toole and his lawyers for the Commission that refers to a petition and public relations campaign urging O’Toole to resign in the aftermath of the election loss, arguing his stance on Beijing alienated Chinese-Canadian voters.

Conservative Party members also report that pro-Beijing networks are targeting nomination races in Vancouver and Toronto, as leader Pierre Poilievre aims to capitalize on the collapse of Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government, which has been challenged by reports of Trudeau turning a blind eye to Chinese election interference.