In September 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was informed about alleged “irregularities” in Han Dong’s nomination in Don Valley North, but was advised not to take action based on the available intelligence. Trudeau was briefed on September 30, 2019, one day before he could replace Dong as the candidate in the GTA riding. Intelligence officials from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) provided information about alleged foreign interference by China in Dong’s 2019 nomination contest, including allegations of buses bringing international students to support Dong at the direction of PRC officials in Canada. Based on this intelligence, his campaign manager, Jeremy Broadhurst, advised Trudeau against taking any action to replace Dong, which the Prime Minister ultimately accepted.
Dong resigned from the Liberal caucus in March 2023 and now sits as an independent, denying any wrongdoing and suing Global News’ parent company over its coverage of foreign interference. Dong claimed he didn’t pay attention to the involvement of international students and presumed the bus arrangement was made by the school. Parties have 21 days before the vote to remove a name from the ballot, according to election rules, but other options like disavowing a candidate are available if the deadline passes. A top-secret report submitted at the public inquiry shows Canada’s spy agency informed the Prime Minister in February 2021 about alleged interference in Dong’s riding two years before it was publicly revealed. The report by CSIS director David Vigneault highlighted PRC-linked individuals interfering with the 2019 Liberal nomination in Don Valley North.
Despite the allegations of interference, Trudeau strongly endorsed Dong after the allegations surfaced in February 2023, suggesting that anti-Asian racism may be a factor. Trudeau has faced questions about when he learned of the interference in Dong’s nomination contest, but has not provided a clear answer. The ongoing foreign interference commission is intended to address challenges faced in keeping democracy safe, according to Trudeau. Trudeau and Vigneault are scheduled to testify at the inquiry to discuss new evidence surfaced by the investigation. Dong’s campaign manager Ted Lojko testified that he was unaware of the busload of students during the nomination process and that Dong was not involved in any wrongdoing.
The information provided by the CSIS at the inquiry did not allege that Dong knew about the alleged efforts by China to interfere in his nomination race. Dong testified that he only became aware of the additional information after a discussion with his lawyer and his wife reminded him of the details. He emphasized that as a candidate, he was reaching out to as many groups as possible during the short campaign period. Dong also denied any knowledge of students using falsified documents to vote in the nomination and condemned any actions that would undermine the democratic system. The Liberal party, engaged in a hard-fought contest against the Conservatives at the time, did not take action to replace Dong based on the unconfirmed intelligence.
Trudeau has been questioned about the timing of when he learned about the interference in Dong’s nomination contest but has evaded providing a definitive answer. The Prime Minister has highlighted the importance of the ongoing commission investigating foreign interference in elections in addressing challenges faced in maintaining democracy. Despite the accusations and controversy surrounding Dong’s nomination, Trudeau has shown strong support for Dong and suggested that racism may be a factor in the allegations. The inquiry continues to uncover new evidence about the alleged interference, with key figures like Trudeau and Vigneault scheduled to testify to provide further clarity on the situation.
