愛污传媒

Politics

    • Foreign spies looking to exploit information from interference inquiry, lawyer warns

    Share
    OTTAWA -

    The sophisticated spy agencies of Canada's adversaries will be closely watching the federal inquiry into foreign interference for "every bit of information" they can exploit, a lawyer for the commission warned Monday.

    With this in mind, a very large proportion of the material that has been given to the commission so far is "classified at the very highest levels," Gordon Cameron said during the opening day of hearings.

    The inquiry's first five days of public hearings are focused on the preliminary point of how to handle the shroud of official secrecy around the controversial issue of foreign meddling.

    The goal is to help identify ways to make information public, even though much of it comes from classified documents and sources.

    The discussions on national security and confidentiality of information will help set the stage for the next public hearings, likely to take place at the end of March.

    The March hearings are intended to delve into allegations of foreign interference by China, India, Russia and others in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections, with a report on these matters due May 3.

    The inquiry will then turn to policy issues, looking at the ability of the government to detect, deter and counter foreign interference targeting Canada's democratic processes.

    A final report is due by the end of the year.

    Cameron said Monday that about 80 per cent of the documents received by the commission to date are classified and, of those, about 80 per cent are labelled as top secret or higher.

    One reason is that the methods Canada uses to gather information about foreign interference can include human sources whose lives are at risk, or sensitive methods and technologies it "simply does not want our adversaries to know about," Cameron said.

    "Among the most sophisticated intelligence agencies in the world will be analyzing every bit of information that comes out of this commission of inquiry," he said.

    "These intelligence agencies have massive data banks of information, and have the ability to take the crumbs that come out of this inquiry and combine them with that information and draw conclusions that are very difficult to predict."

    Officials are concerned these foreign agencies can use their advanced know-how to "extract every drop of value" from information disclosed during the inquiry process, Cameron said.

    Even so, the commission is dedicated to making as much information public as possible within the limits of the law, he said.

    Cameron appealed to the assembled counsel for participants in the inquiry for input 鈥 both this week and on an ongoing basis 鈥 "on how we can do that better." 

    In opening remarks Monday, commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue said the task requires the inquiry team to investigate, analyze and reflect as thoroughly as possible.

    "My team and I will make every effort to get to the bottom of things and understand what the country has faced, and what it may still be facing, in terms of foreign interference."

    Hogue, a Quebec Court of Appeal judge, told the crowded hearing Monday she and the commission counsel are neutral and impartial. "We represent the public interest and our goal is to uncover the truth, whatever it may be."

    Hogue said that since it will be up to her to draw conclusions from the evidence presented, "I want to stress that I have not yet seen that evidence."

    Hogue said she had discussed relevant topics with commission counsel, as well as the way in which the hearings should be conducted.

    "But I have chosen to participate neither in the meetings with potential witnesses, nor in the review of the documents obtained," she added. "I have chosen this approach to ensure that I have no preconceived ideas, and I will adhere to it throughout the commission's work."  

    This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 29, 2024.

    IN DEPTH

    Opinion

    opinion

    opinion Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike

    When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing.

    CTVNews.ca Top Stories

    BREAKING

    BREAKING Interest rate drops to 3.75% as Bank of Canada makes another cut

    The Bank of Canada made a sizable cut to its key lending rate Wednesday from 4.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent as the global economy continues to expand. The half percentage point cut is the fourth rate cut in a row by the central bank as inflation dropped from 2.7 per cent in June to 1.6 per cent in September.

    A new report suggests that Canadians' exposure to a radioactive gas is increasing, putting millions of people at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

    Police have confirmed the body of an employee who died at a Walmart in Halifax over the weekend was found in a walk-in oven.

    Canada

    • BREAKING

      BREAKING Interest rate drops to 3.75% as Bank of Canada makes another cut

      The Bank of Canada made a sizable cut to its key lending rate Wednesday from 4.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent as the global economy continues to expand. The half percentage point cut is the fourth rate cut in a row by the central bank as inflation dropped from 2.7 per cent in June to 1.6 per cent in September.

    • A new report suggests that Canadians' exposure to a radioactive gas is increasing, putting millions of people at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

    • An oil salvage operation is underway on the fragile wreckage of a U.S. army transport ship that sank almost 80 years ago off coastal British Columbia in a race to head off an eruption of thousands of litres of oil that a coast guard official says is "near imminent."

    • British Columbia's highest court has weighed in on a dispute over an inflatable hot tub a couple set up on their condo's patio 鈥 potentially bringing a close to the years-long conflict.

    • A father and his two children who suffered severe burns in a Springfield, Ont. house fire have undergone surgery.

    World

    Politics

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    • A meteor lit up our region's sky last night 鈥 with a large fireball shooting across the horizon over Lake Erie at around 7:00 p.m.

    • The estimated population of North Atlantic right whales increased in 2023, but a group of international marine scientists say human behaviour still poses a significant threat to the critically endangered species.

    Entertainment

    Business

    Lifestyle

    Sports

    • Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors kick off the new NBA season tonight as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers.

    • Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, last season's Vezina Trophy winner, recorded 27 saves to spark the undefeated Winnipeg Jets to a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night.

    • Danton Heinen scored two of Vancouver's four first-period goals, and the Canucks beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-3 on Tuesday night for their third straight win.

    Autos

    Local Spotlight

    A meteor lit up our region's sky last night 鈥 with a large fireball shooting across the horizon over Lake Erie at around 7:00 p.m.

    Residents of Ottawa's Rideauview neighbourhood say an aggressive wild turkey has become a problem.

    A man who lost his life while trying to rescue people from floodwaters, and a 13-year-old boy who saved his family from a dog attack, are among the Nova Scotians who received a medal for bravery Tuesday.

    A newly minted Winnipegger is hoping a world record attempt will help bring awareness for the need for more pump track facilities in the city.

    A Springfield, Ont. man is being hailed a 'hero' after running into his burning home to save his two infant children.

    Hortense Anglin was the oldest graduate to make her way across the platform at York University's Fall Convocation ceremony this week. At the age of 87, she graduated with an Honours degree in Religious Studies.

    Looking for a scare with good intentions this Halloween season? The ghosts and ghouls of Eganville, Ont. invite families to tour the Haunted Walk at Lekbor Manor.

    The image of a sleepy Saskatchewan small town with 'not a lot going on' is a well-known anecdote. However, one Saskatchewan company is hoping to change that 鈥 and allow communities both on and off the beaten path to share their stories and advertise what they have to offer.

    A Moncton, N.B., home has been donated to the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation and will be transformed into a resource hub for people living with cancer.

    • An oil salvage operation is underway on the fragile wreckage of a U.S. army transport ship that sank almost 80 years ago off coastal British Columbia in a race to head off an eruption of thousands of litres of oil that a coast guard official says is "near imminent."

    • Green Leader Sonia Furstenau is set to meet the media for the first time since British Columbia's indecisive election on Saturday, amid speculation about a possible minority government.

    • Danton Heinen scored two of Vancouver's four first-period goals, and the Canucks beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-3 on Tuesday night for their third straight win.

    • The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) and opposition leaders at Queen's Park are calling on the government to reduce, or eliminate, parking fees at hospitals for staff, patients and visitors.

    • BREAKING

      BREAKING Interest rate drops to 3.75% as Bank of Canada makes another cut

      The Bank of Canada made a sizable cut to its key lending rate Wednesday from 4.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent as the global economy continues to expand. The half percentage point cut is the fourth rate cut in a row by the central bank as inflation dropped from 2.7 per cent in June to 1.6 per cent in September.

    • A new report suggests that Canadians' exposure to a radioactive gas is increasing, putting millions of people at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.

    • BREAKING

      BREAKING Interest rate drops to 3.75% as Bank of Canada makes another cut

      The Bank of Canada made a sizable cut to its key lending rate Wednesday from 4.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent as the global economy continues to expand. The half percentage point cut is the fourth rate cut in a row by the central bank as inflation dropped from 2.7 per cent in June to 1.6 per cent in September.

    • WEATHER

      WEATHER

      The majority of Monday鈥檚 snow melted on Tuesday thanks to some sunny weather, and road conditions vastly improved in and around Calgary.

    • BREAKING

      BREAKING Interest rate drops to 3.75% as Bank of Canada makes another cut

      The Bank of Canada made a sizable cut to its key lending rate Wednesday from 4.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent as the global economy continues to expand. The half percentage point cut is the fourth rate cut in a row by the central bank as inflation dropped from 2.7 per cent in June to 1.6 per cent in September.

    • An Orl茅ans property that once belonged to a religious order is now in the City of Ottawa's hands.

    • Popular Kanata restaurant D'Arcy McGee's has suddenly closed its doors. In a post on Facebook Tuesday night, D'Arcy McGee's said, "We will sadly be closing our doors."

    • Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante will not be seeking reelection.

    • The majority of optometrists in Quebec will withdraw from the public health-care insurance program (RAMQ) as of Nov. 22, meaning that patients covered by the public plan will have to pay for services.

    • The death of a woman in her 50s in Montreal's Anjou borough is being considered as 'suspicious' by authorities.

    • The Carolina Hurricanes really turned the tide in the third period on Tuesday night.

    • WEATHER

      WEATHER

      Cool mornings and mild afternoons through the rest of this week in Edmonton and area.

    • BREAKING

      BREAKING Interest rate drops to 3.75% as Bank of Canada makes another cut

      The Bank of Canada made a sizable cut to its key lending rate Wednesday from 4.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent as the global economy continues to expand. The half percentage point cut is the fourth rate cut in a row by the central bank as inflation dropped from 2.7 per cent in June to 1.6 per cent in September.

    • Police have confirmed the body of an employee who died at a Walmart in Halifax over the weekend was found in a walk-in oven.

    • The president of a popular New Brunswick potato chip company has been arrested for domestic violence in Bangor, Maine.

    • The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit has taken over the investigation into a fatal shooting in Kingston, N.S.

    • An armed man was restrained by customers after he attempted to rob a Winnipeg restaurant on Monday.

    • Folks making the trek to and from Thompson along Highway 6 are once again without a bathroom break鈥 at least for now.

    • The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) has made an arrest in a string of assaults that took place in and near the downtown area across several months.

    • Candidates across Saskatchewan are making their final pitches to potential voters as the 2024 election campaign is quickly approaching its end.

    • Emergency crews battled a garage fire in west Regina on Tuesday evening.

    • BREAKING

      BREAKING Interest rate drops to 3.75% as Bank of Canada makes another cut

      The Bank of Canada made a sizable cut to its key lending rate Wednesday from 4.25 per cent to 3.75 per cent as the global economy continues to expand. The half percentage point cut is the fourth rate cut in a row by the central bank as inflation dropped from 2.7 per cent in June to 1.6 per cent in September.

    • Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a sudden death in Kitchener.

    • Employees at a grocery store in Cambridge had a surprising start to their morning as they walked in to work to find a fire.

    • Ontario Provincial Police are looking for a missing teenager from Goderich.

    • Candidates across Saskatchewan are making their final pitches to potential voters as the 2024 election campaign is quickly approaching its end.

    • A Saskatoon family is voicing concerns after paying twice as much PST as expected on a recently purchased truck.

    • Hundreds of voter information cards have landed in the wrong hands.

    • Greater Sudbury has ended the employment of CAO Ed Archer, Mayor Paul Lefebvre announced suddenly Tuesday evening

    • Police have confirmed the body of an employee who died at a Walmart in Halifax over the weekend was found in a walk-in oven.

    • A man is miraculously alive after driving his pickup truck through the fence and down a 150-foot embankment at Hawk Cliff in near Port Stanley, Ont.

    • Police said the house is believed to be empty and abandoned and it's not known yet if the driver of the truck is injured.

    • On Oct. 18, London police were contacted by Toronto Police Service requesting help to find a Toronto man wanted for multiple robbery and firearms related offences.

    • A 18-yeare-old driver smashed into a well-lit cruiser after evading police.

    • A thriving circular economy extends the lives of products.

    • U.S. sales are down and a once-reliably profitable joint venture in China is losing money, but General Motors still managed to post a third quarter profit of $3 billion Tuesday, slightly less than it made a year ago.

    • Residents living in central Windsor are calling for after-hours construction to expand a commercial development to stop.

    • NextStar Energy is celebrating the official start of battery module production.

    • An oil salvage operation is underway on the fragile wreckage of a U.S. army transport ship that sank almost 80 years ago off coastal British Columbia in a race to head off an eruption of thousands of litres of oil that a coast guard official says is "near imminent."

    • Green Leader Sonia Furstenau is set to meet the media for the first time since British Columbia's indecisive election on Saturday, amid speculation about a possible minority government.

    • Mounties in British Columbia say a second person has been found dead after two vehicles ended up in a river on Vancouver Island when a road washed out amid torrential rains over the weekend.

    • Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.

    • A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has sentenced a 27-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., to 18 months in prison for using fake names to buy guns with the aim of selling them in Canada.

    • Nearly two years after a man was stabbed to death in downtown Kelowna, RCMP have made an arrest in the case.

    • A proposed coal mine 鈥 not tourism 鈥 is critical in revitalizing southwestern Alberta communities along the edge of the Rockies, a group in favour of a controversial project maintains.

    • Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she's waiting for NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi to declare where he intends to run for office before she calls a byelection in Lethbridge.

    • The health of honeybees will be the focus of a presentation at the University of Lethbridge on Wednesday evening.

    • The union representing the fire rangers with the Ministry of Natural Resources says money won鈥檛 fix the systemic problems in the workplace.

    • Rallies by a group called Voices Against Violence took place across the country on Monday, including Sault Ste. Marie.

    • An Indigenous group in northwestern Ontario shut down the highway for a couple of hours Monday morning in protest after ancestral remains were found at a construction site.

    N.L.

    Stay Connected
    Follow 愛污传媒