Review finds no case for formal probe of Beijing’s activities under elections law

The federal agency that investigates election infractions found insufficient evidence to support suggestions that Beijing wielded undue influence against the Conservatives in the Vancouver area during the 2021 federal election.

A review of the lingering issue by the Office of the Commissioner of Canada Elections was tabled today at a public inquiry into foreign interference.

The review focused on the unsuccessful campaign of Conservative candidate Kenny Chiu in the riding of Steveston–Richmond East and the party’s larger campaign in the Vancouver area.

However, the evidence uncovered did not trigger the threshold to initiate a formal investigation under the Canada Elections Act.

Investigators therefore recommended that the review be concluded.

A summary of the review results was shared with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the RCMP.