The Bureau’s Sam Cooper unpacks Mark Carney’s deep ties to Chinese economic interests as a policy predictor for his future as the potential leader of Canada.

The Bureau Podcast

Summary

Canadian investigative journalist Sam Cooper examines the links between former prime minister Justin Trudeau, his successor Mark Carney, and influential global organizations such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Cooper’s research reveals Mark Carney’s ties to Chinese economic interests run deep. During his time at the Bank of England, Carney facilitated significant financial dealings between the U.K. and China. He also points out that the Liberal Party is heavily influenced by Chinese economic interests, supported by powerful structures in Quebec and Ottawa.

Cooper notes that the AIIB, led by Jin Lee-kun, a former Red Guard and senior Chinese Communist Party operative, is closely linked with the WEF and Mark Carney through initiatives such as the net-zero emissions project. Cooper argues that these connections suggest a strong predictor of Carney’s future trade, economic, climate, and social policies if he is elected into the seat of power.

Cooper also highlights the role of influential figures such as Dominic Barton, the former Canadian ambassador to China, and the involvement of Chinese state-owned entities in these networks. He stresses that the WEF is primarily a platform for investors and billionaires to discuss global investments, and that China’s involvement in green technology and other global initiatives is primarily driven by its military objectives, with the aim of becoming the world’s leading power by 2049, a significant year marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party.

Cooper concludes that China’s influence is pervasive in these networks, and understanding these connections is crucial for grasping the broader implications of Carney’s potential leadership.

In terms of the escalating conflict between Canada and the U.S. under the Trump administration, Cooper believes the dispute is not based on a desire to take over Canada. The Trump government, says Cooper, is interested in Canada because we are north of the United States and our country and government have been “at the very least” infiltrated by Chinese agencies, if not “completely and totally influenced by them”. Another factor, he says, is the Canadian Arctic and its vulnerability to exploitation, as well as Canada’s northern border with “mile wide gaps”. As such, Canada represents the biggest national security threat to the United States.

This threat is one that could be communicated to the average person in simple terms, says Cooper, but instead Trump is not choosing to. Cooper wonders if the word “China” is being avoided to maintain some level of diplomacy.

Watch the full discussion at the publisher’s website here.