In its report on its website, the Globe and Mail, in its issue on Tuesday, quoted a high-level security source who claimed that Indian agents and their proxies intervened in the 2022 elections, in which Pierre Poilievre won the leadership of the Conservative Party, as part of a broader effort to lean towards politicians across all parties.

The source told the newspaper that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) discovered that Indian agents were involved in fundraising and organizing support within the South Asian community for Poilievre during the leadership race, which he won easily. However, the agency’s assessment did not suggest that this effort was carried out on a large scale or in a highly organized manner. Poilievre won in the first round with 68% of the votes.

The source added that the agency had no evidence that Poilievre or any individual in his close circle were aware of the actions of the alleged Indian agents or their proxies. The agency did not share this information with Poilievre because he does not have the necessary security clearance to access classified documents and receive intelligence briefings about foreign interference in Canada. It is noted that Poilievre is the only federal leader who has declined an offer to obtain a security clearance.

Investigation into Foreign Interference

The newspaper reported that Sam Lilly, spokesperson for the Conservative leader, stated that Poilievre's campaign followed all relevant laws and regulations. The Public Inquiry Committee on Foreign Interference, which held hearings in 2024 headed by Justice Mary-Josee Hauss, concluded that China and India are the primary actors in foreign interference in Canada, using diplomats and proxies to influence Canadian domestic affairs.

In its final report in January, Justice Hauss stated that Indian agents provided illegal financial support to some Canadian politicians in an attempt to secure the election of pro-India candidates or gain influence with candidates who won office. However, she clarified that "intelligence does not necessarily indicate that elected officials or candidates were aware of attempts at interference, nor were these attempts necessarily successful."

Last June, a report issued by the Parliamentary National Security and Intelligence Committee (NSICOP) stated that Beijing and New Delhi intervened in the Conservative Party leadership races, but it did not specify whether this interference included Poilievre or other candidates.

Poilievre Rejects Security Clearance

The Globe and Mail's report added that when he launched his election campaign after the announcement of the federal elections on Sunday, Poilievre stated that he does not trust the Liberals when it comes to security clearances, noting that obtaining one would restrict his ability to discuss issues and hold the government accountable.

He added: "I will not participate in a political process run by the Liberals, where they decide what I can see, say, and comment on." He emphasized that if CSIS sees something necessary to inform him, it can do so directly.

Warnings and Reciprocal Accusations

In his testimony before the inquiry in October, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau referred to the NSICOP report on the 2022 Conservative leadership race, criticizing Poilievre for showing "no curiosity or openness to know what happened or whether someone was compromised or whether a foreign country influenced those races."

In its final report, Justice Hauss downplayed the significance of foreign interference claims in the Canadian parliament, stating: "Although there have been some cases that have come to light, this phenomenon remains marginal and largely ineffective."

Increased Scrutiny during Federal Elections

The Globe and Mail’s report confirmed that members of the task force monitoring security threats to the elections will provide weekly briefings on foreign interference during the 37-day election campaign.

The newspaper quoted Vanessa Lloyd, Deputy Director of Operations at CSIS and head of the task force, stating that the security agencies are closely monitoring interference activities, especially from China and India, as well as from Pakistan and Iran.

She added: "We have also seen that the Indian government has the intent and capability to interfere in Canadian communities and democratic processes in order to enhance its geopolitical influence."

India-Canada Relations in Crisis

In conclusion, the Globe and Mail noted that relations between India and Canada entered a deep crisis in September 2023 when Trudeau accused Indian agents and their proxies of involvement in the assassination of Canadian Sikh activist Hardip Singh Nijjar.

Last October, the Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Mike Doherty, linked officials in the Indian government to killings, extortion, and coercion on Canadian soil. In response, Ottawa expelled six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, prompting India to expel six Canadian diplomats, exacerbating tensions between the two countries.