A government appointee investigating allegations of Chinese interference in Canada has announced his resignation from the role, citing the highly partisan atmosphere surrounding his work. Former Canadian Governor General David Johnston stated in a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that his leadership of the government’s probe into purported meddling by China has not helped build trust in democratic institutions due to partisanship.
The appointment of Johnston was controversial, with opposition Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre accusing him of being too close to Trudeau’s family. Despite all opposition parties in the House of Commons calling for a public inquiry into the allegations of foreign interference, Johnston recently released a report recommending against it. In Friday’s announcement, Johnston also indicated that he would release a brief final report before his departure.
Johnston encourages Trudeau to appoint a “respected person, with national security experience” to complete the inquiry and to consult with opposition parties on who that should be.
Link from www.aljazeera.com