newsinsightplus.com
- 18644ExLiverpool
- 1864Published4
- April 10, 2024
- 0 Comments
BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaInquiry hears of foreign meddling in Canada electionsPublished16 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be testifying before the inquiry on WednesdayBy Nadine YousifBBC NewsA busload full of Chinese high school students coerced into voting for a Liberal candidate. An opaque cash injection of thousands of dollars from China. A proxy agent of India’s government providing illegal financial support to pro-India politicians.These allegations and more surfaced during two weeks of testimony in Canada’s ongoing public inquiry into foreign interference in its elections.The accusations – made by Canada’s spy agency in a series of redacted documents tabled before the inquiry – are to be taken with caution, officials said.The reports may include uncorroborated information that is single-sourced or incomplete, and that has not been properly investigated, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) warned.China and India have repeatedly denied any allegations of interference in Canada’s affairs, with India recently calling them “baseless allegations”. But some politicians have said interference may have affected their political careers.And testimony from members of Canada’s varied diaspora communities shone a light on alleged threats to their safety by agents tied to governments in their home countries.Why is Canada so vulnerable to foreign meddling?The inquiry, led by Quebec judge Marie-Josee Hogue, is hearing from more than 40 community members, politicians and federal election officials before its first report is tabled next month.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is scheduled to testify on Wednesday. He has said he is “looking forward” to answering questions before the inquiry. Those affected by the alleged meddling efforts have accused officials and CSIS of not doing enough to combat it, or of keeping them in the dark altogether. And Canada’s own spy agency has said the government is not doing enough to tackle the issue, and that the country lags behind its “Five Eyes” intelligence allies – the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.What has the inquiry heard so far?From testimony and partially unsealed classified documents, Canadians have learned some of the ways China and other foreign governments may have attempted to interfere in the last two federal elections, in 2019 and 2022.There is no evidence the results of the election were affected. CSIS has alleged that the Chinese government “clandestinely and deceptively” interfered in both elections. The interference was “pragmatic in nature and focused primarily in supporting those viewed to be either ‘pro-PRC’ or ‘neutral’ on issues of interest to the PRC government,” said a briefing by the agency.”We also observed online and media activities aimed at discouraging Canadians, particularly of Chinese heritage, from supporting the Conservative Party (and former) leader Erin O’Toole,” the briefing note added.Mr O’Toole testified last week that his campaign was marred by a deluge of misinformation that he believes lost his party up to nine seats in the 2021 election.He said that, while the overall result of the election – which his party lost to Mr Trudeau’s Liberals – was not affected, he believes it led to his ouster as leader.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Former federal Conservative leader Erin O’Toole testified that his party may have lost some seats in the 2021 election due to foreign meddlingCSIS reports mentioned a possible C$250,000 ($184,000; £145,300) funneled from the PRC during the 2019 election to an unnamed candidate’s staff member, and then to others, in a meddling attempt.The spy agency also accused China of funding a charter bus in 2019 to send Chinese private high school students to help a Liberal politician, Han Dong, secure his party’s nomination. CSIS suggested that the students were coerced, that “their student visas would be in jeopardy and that there could be consequences for their families back in the PRC” if they did not support Mr Dong.In his testimony, Mr Dong, who now sits as an independent, said he met with Chinese students and encouraged them to register as Liberal members during his campaign. But he denied knowledge of anything nefarious. International students are allowed to vote in Liberal party nominations as long as they can prove they live in the riding (constituency or electoral district). India and Pakistan also were named by CSIS as trying to interfere in both elections.In India’s case, the spy agency said activities were carried out by a proxy agent of the Indian government, and “were centered on a small number of electoral districts” to support pro-India candidates.They were motivated by the perception that “a portion of Indo-Canadian voters were sympathetic to the Khalistani movement or pro-Pakistan political stances,” CSIS reported.Mr Trudeau previously accused India of being involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist who was killed on Canadian soil in June 2023.Meanwhile, Pakistan’s attempted meddling was allegedly “to counter India’s growing global influence,” though it was limited in nature, CSIS reported.According to testimony, while CSIS and other officials knew about these allegations, they didn’t alert the targeted politicians or the public. Mr O’Toole said he raised concerns about meddling during the 2021 election and was not taken seriously. But Mr Trudeau’s national security advisor Nathalie Drouin, who was on a panel of top bureaucrats at the time tasked with reviewing election threats, countered by saying there was not enough proof at the time of China’s activities against the Conservative Party.”There was some risk that any intervention by the panel could create more harm than good,” she said, adding there were fears that it would incite confusion and alarm the public.Related TopicsChinaJustin TrudeauIndiaCanadaMore on this storyUS must work with Canada to stop China meddling – MPPublished13 September 2023Canada launches inquiry into foreign interferencePublished7 September 2023Canada police investigating China meddling claimsPublished13 June 2023Top StoriesWeak evidence and toxic debate letting down gender care children, report saysPublished1 hour agoArizona court reinstates abortion ban law from 1864Published4 hours agoOver 7 million struggling with bills, survey findsPublished1 hour agoFeaturesThe Papers: Major gender care review, and ‘Mr Bates vs thugs in suits’Peter Higgs – the man who changed our view of the UniverseIs this K-drama? No, it’s South Korea’s election nightChappell Roan is the freaky, fun pop star you need to knowHow much is the cost of a UK passport going up?’Airport car park fire turned my life upside down’Big Zuu cuts down on cooking and rap for RamadanFirst ever climate change victory in Europe courtIsrael’s Gaza withdrawal hints at what comes nextElsewhere on the BBCWhat was so special about yesterday’s solar eclipse?Science correspondent Pallab Ghosh’s brief guide to the cosmic phenomenonAttributionSoundsHow did Sweden become a hotbed for hot tracks? James Ballardie charts Sweden’s remarkable rise as a music superpowerAttributioniPlayerWill China’s electric car industry shock Europe?Steve Fowler explores the potential risks Chinese electric car manufacturing poses to Western brandsAttributionSoundsOne of the world’s biggest stars through a unique lensThe stories behind ten defining images of Amy Winehouse, from iconic shots to private snapsAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Major gender care review, and ‘Mr Bates vs thugs in suits’2Children let down by ‘weak’ gender care – report3Arizona court reinstates abortion ban law from 18644Ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy was addicted to cocaineAttributionSport5’Zombie’ drug found in cannabis THC vapes in UK6Was an extinct fox once man’s best friend?7Alan Bates says Post Office run by ‘thugs in suits’8Over 7 million struggling with bills, survey finds9MP targeted in Westminster honeytrap resigns party whip10Peter Higgs, father of ‘God particle’, dies aged 94
[ad_1] Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to testify before the ongoing inquiry on Wednesday.
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaJacob Flickinger: Parents condemn son’s death in Gaza as a ‘crime’Published1 hour agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warThis video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Family of aid worker killed in Gaza: ‘He had a desire to serve others’By Tom Bateman & Madeline HalpertBBC News, Washington DCJacob Flickinger was a “loyal and devoted” aid worker and family man who was “chased down” and killed by Israel while trying to help those in need, his parents have told the BBC. Mr Flickinger, 33, a US-Canadian, was one of seven people killed in a strike on a World Central Kitchen convoy.Israel’s military apologised and called the attack a tragic mistake. It has promised a full investigation. His parents however said that his death was a “crime” and rejected the apology.John Flickinger and Sylvia Labrecque said there was a “hole in their hearts”, and that Jacob’s wife Sandy and 18-month old son Jasper were bereft without a husband and father.Speaking from Quebec, they said he and the other workers were killed while travelling on a road designated by Israel as a safe humanitarian route. Mr Flickinger said the charity had reported 24 hours in advance that their convoy would dropping food at a warehouse, and stayed in touch with the Israel Defense Forces throughout the process, But still Israel attacked and “they continued firing until all the workers were dead,” he said. “Israel owes the families and the world an explanation.”Image source, WCK.org/PAImage caption, Mr Flickinger’s father described him as a “the best, most loyal friend you could ask for”His mother, Ms Labrecque, said that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s description of the attack as a “tragic accident” was – in her view – “a joke”.”He was such a good human being,” she said of her son. “He was extremely devoted to his work and his family.”Jacob, who had previously served 11 years in the armed forces, went to Gaza in March out of a desire to help others, his family said.”His life has been about service,” said Mr Flickinger, adding that even despite this, he was worried about his son travelling through a war zone as dangerous as Gaza. “But [Jacob] felt the World Central Kitchen knew what they were doing there,” he said, and his son “knew that people were starving out there”.His parents called on the US to stop sending military aid to Israel while the country was using “food as a weapon” – a reference to the lack of aid getting into Gaza. “The US has great leverage over Israel,” Mr Flickinger said. Jacob’s parents also called for a ceasefire, a return of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas and for more aid to war-torn Gaza. Mr Flickinger also said he wanted the US government to launch an independent investigation into the killings of humanitarian workers, as well as for Israel to pay reparations to relatives who have lost loved ones in Gaza.”Justice can start there, but most critically, end this insanity,” he said.Image source, World Central KitchenImage caption, WCK released pictures of the victims”I grew up without having a father,” Mr Flickinger said. “Now my grandson will grow up without having his father.”Ms Labrecque said she hoped their grandson, Jasper, would serve as a reminder of their son’s life and goodness. “It’s going to be a day-to-day job, to heal from that loss,” she said. “But Jasper will be a very good inspiration for us to stay strong.”Mr Flickinger said that he had spoken to the Canadian government, but had not heard from the White House. He said he was told about his son’s death from the US embassy in Israel.”I would like to hear from someone in the US government,” he said, adding that the Canadian government had been “very helpful”.WCK – founded by the famous Spanish-American chef Jose Andrés – was one of the main suppliers of desperately needed aid to Gaza, where more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed since the 7 October Hamas attacks.Around 200 humanitarian workers in total have been killed in the conflict, according to aid groups.About 1,200 Israelis were killed and 253 hostages were taken by Hamas in it’s 7 October attack on Israel.Related TopicsIsrael-Gaza warGazaUnited StatesHumanitarian aidCanadaMore on this storyWho were the seven aid workers killed in Gaza?Published3 hours agoBiden ‘outraged’ over Israel strike on aid workersPublished1 day agoFears for Gazans as aid groups halt work over air strikePublished11 hours agoTop StoriesIsrael to open three humanitarian routes into GazaPublished24 minutes agoGaza charity worker’s death was a crime, say parentsPublished1 hour agoTory tells paper he shared MP numbers with dating app contactPublished2 hours agoFeaturesDetective’s promise to murdered PC’s husbandThe Papers: MPs’ honeytrap and Biden’s ‘strongest rebuke yet’Fears for Gazans as aid groups halt work over air strike’The walls were crumbling’ – escaping Taiwan’s earthquakeWeekly quiz: Which of Marilyn’s belongings went under the hammer?Listen: ‘Radical rethink’ needed in NHS on autism and ADHD. AudioListen: ‘Radical rethink’ needed in NHS on autism and ADHDAttributionSoundsWhen is the solar eclipse and how can I watch it?Is H from Steps really getting a statue? In pictures: Beautiful displays as spring bloomsElsewhere on the BBCIs mushroom coffee better for you than a regular brew?Greg Foot speaks to a fungi expert to find out what the potential benefits areAttributionSoundsOne of the most talented bands to never make it…Why did trailblazers Microdisney fail to achieve the commercial success they deserved?AttributioniPlayerFrom Eurovision to conquering the worldABBA’s current manager, Görel Hanser, looks back at the group’s meteoric rise to stardomAttributionSoundsRobin Williams: from iconic shots to private snapsTen defining pictures throw a unique lens onto an extraordinary lifeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1McDonald’s to buy back all its Israeli restaurants2Tory admits giving MP numbers to dating app contact – report3Arsenal star would fight in Ukraine if called up4New cause of asthma damage revealed5Billionaire Joe Lewis fined $5m but avoids prison6GPS disabled as Israel raises alert over Iran threat7Chelsea stun Man Utd with latest ever Premier League turnaroundAttributionSport8Gaza charity worker’s death was a crime, say parents9National insurance cut to kick in but more pay tax10Biden tells Israel it must prevent civilian harm to keep US support](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/CF7E/production/_133081135_0404_wck_flickinger_fam_1-7.jpg)
