Further intel on interference rapporteur Johnston's mandate made public, including per diem
Additional intel on what foreign interference special rapporteur David Johnston will be empowered to dig into and access in terms of secret documents has been made public, as has his per diem for what's being described as a "part-time" role.
In a pair of issued this week, the federal government has offered additional details about what Johnston is being mandated to investigate, and to what degree he’ll be able to access secret cabinet documents.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had already announced that the former governor general would have to present an initial report by May 23 advising on whether a public inquiry or other "mechanisms or transparent processes" are necessary.
Then, up until Oct. 31, he is to release reports "on a rolling basis" on issues related to shoring up Canada's democracy, as they arise.
Here is everything we now know about what Johnston is being asked to look into, and how much he's set to be paid.
WHAT WILL JOHNSTON TRY TO DETERMINE?
As the independent rapporteur on the matter, Johnston is being asked to:
- Assess the "extent and impact of foreign interference" in Canada’s electoral processes, including examining government information about, and actions in response to, the threat of interference historically, as well as specifically in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections;
- Build on the work being undertaken by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) to raise any "outstanding issues… that need to be addressed";
- And, "identify innovative approaches and improvements in the way public agencies work together to combat foreign interference in our electoral processes" including "changes in the institutional design and co-ordination of government resources used to defend against or otherwise deal with that interference."
Through this work, Johnston is to determine:
- What findings and recommendations to address electoral interference were made by CSIS, the Privy Council Office (PCO) and other relevant agencies or officials;
- What was communicated about foreign interference in electoral processes to Trudeau and his office, as well as other cabinet ministers and their offices;
- What recommendations were made by agencies and officials to address foreign interference in electoral processes; and
- What steps were taken by the prime minister and his office, cabinet ministers, and or federal departments and agencies "to defend against or otherwise deal with foreign interference in electoral processes."
PART-TIME? AND WHAT COSTS WILL BE COVERED?
According to , Johnston is being employed "on a part-time basis" between March 15 and December 12.
It states that his per diem pay is "within the range" of $1,400 to $1,600.
In line with federal policy, Johnston will also be able to expense:
- Travel and living expenses within Canada if he hits the road as part of his work;
- The cost of expert staff as required; and
- Any "other reasonable expenses as necessary" to complete his assignment.
WHAT, AND WHO WILL HE HAVE ACCESS TO?
As the Prime Minister's Office has already confirmed, Johnston will be given access to "national security intelligence resources, including classified or unclassified records, documents and personnel."
This scope of access is expanded on in the new documents, indicating that Johnston can:
- Review any relevant records including documents protected by cabinet confidence;
- Work with any recognized political party in the House of Commons to learn how information flowed and what actions were taken;
- Speak to the Commissioner of Canada Elections and the Chairs of national security oversight bodies NSICOP and NSIRA about their work;
- Engage with the PCO, the Prime Minister's Office, CSIS, the RCMP, the Communications Security Establishment and members of the Security and Intelligence Threats to Election Task Force (SITE) or the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol panel (CEIPP) to understand past recommendations and steps taken;
- Receive written submissions from interested persons.
FEDS SAY REPORTS WILL BE PUBLIC AND GET A RESPONSE
Tapping Johnston to provide the prime minister "independent advice" and make "expert recommendations" was done as part of a suite of federal measures trying to assuage Canadians' concerns about China's interference in the last two federal elections.
In the preamble to outlining Johnston's access to resources and mandate, the Order in Council states that the federal government "recognizes the cardinal importance of enhancing Canadians’ trust and confidence in their democracy by ensuring the integrity of Canada’s electoral processes and democratic institutions."
The preamble also notes there "is a desire to respond to the evolving threat posed by foreign interference through a strengthened approach."
The government is committing to sharing any and all reports Johnston produces with the leader of every recognized party in the House of Commons, and with Canadians "in a timely manner" and will "respond publicly to any recommendations made in those reports within a reasonable time."
Amid the flurry of partisan fury over his appointment, Johnston issued a statement last month saying he was "privileged to accept the appointment."
"Any attempts at undermining our democracy are serious matters and it is essential that we take action to protect our institutions and uphold Canadians’ confidence in our democracy," Johnston said.
With files from CTV National News Senior Political Correspondent Glen McGregor
IN DEPTH
Jagmeet Singh pulls NDP out of deal with Trudeau Liberals, takes aim at Poilievre Conservatives
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has pulled his party out of the supply-and-confidence agreement that had been helping keep Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberals in power.
'Not the result we wanted': Trudeau responds after surprise Conservative byelection win in Liberal stronghold
Conservative candidate Don Stewart winning the closely-watched Toronto-St. Paul's federal byelection, and delivering a stunning upset to Justin Trudeau's candidate Leslie Church in the long-time Liberal riding, has sent political shockwaves through both parties.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
Budget 2024 prioritizes housing while taxing highest earners, deficit projected at $39.8B
In an effort to level the playing field for young people, in the 2024 federal budget, the government is targeting Canada's highest earners with new taxes in order to help offset billions in new spending to enhance the country's housing supply and social supports.
'One of the greatest': Former prime minister Brian Mulroney commemorated at state funeral
Prominent Canadians, political leaders, and family members remembered former prime minister and Progressive Conservative titan Brian Mulroney as an ambitious and compassionate nation-builder at his state funeral on Saturday.
Opinion
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
opinion Don Martin: The doctor Trudeau dumped has a prescription for better health care
Political columnist Don Martin sat down with former federal health minister Jane Philpott, who's on a crusade to help fix Canada's broken health care system, and who declined to take any shots at the prime minister who dumped her from caucus.
opinion Don Martin: Trudeau's seeking shelter from the housing storm he helped create
While Justin Trudeau's recent housing announcements are generally drawing praise from experts, political columnist Don Martin argues there shouldn’t be any standing ovations for a prime minister who helped caused the problem in the first place.
opinion Don Martin: Poilievre has the field to himself as he races across the country to big crowds
It came to pass on Thursday evening that the confidentially predictable failure of the Official Opposition non-confidence motion went down with 204 Liberal, BQ and NDP nays to 116 Conservative yeas. But forcing Canada into a federal election campaign was never the point.
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
Canada will cut its permanent immigration levels by at least 20 per cent
Canada will lower the number of permanent immigrants it allows into the country by at least 20 per cent from its previous target of 500,000, ۴ý confirmed Wednesday.
The president and CEO of New Brunswick-based Covered Bridge Potato Chips is taking an 'extended leave of absence' after being charged with domestic violence this past weekend.
A memorial is growing outside a Walmart in Halifax after a 19-year-old employee was found dead inside an oven in the store Saturday night.
Trudeau says Liberals 'strong and united' despite caucus dissent
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the Liberal party is 'strong and united,' despite efforts from within his caucus to oust him as leader.
'Canadians can breathe a sigh of relief': Bank of Canada governor on interest rate 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 search has started at Prairie Green Landfill for the remains of two victims of a serial killer.
He is a familiar face to residents of a neighbourhood just west of Roncesvalles Avenue.
Canada's discount airline is suspending operations to and from Saskatoon.
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.
Local Spotlight
He is a familiar face to residents of a neighbourhood just west of Roncesvalles Avenue.
A meteor lit up our region's sky last night – 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 – and allow communities both on and off the beaten path to share their stories and advertise what they have to offer.