NDP pushes to establish Canada-India committee to fight foreign interference

OTTAWA — The NDP is proposing the creation of a committee of parliamentarians to dig into India’s efforts to interfere in Canada’s democracy.

“Every party in the House of Commons must show the government of India that we are a united front. That a government like Narendra Modi’s cannot find an ally in this Parliament willing to look the other way, and that we all take foreign interference incredibly seriously,” said NDP leader Jagmeet Singh. “I’m calling for the creation of a Canada-India committee so parliamentarians can look in this important matter and propose additional steps the government can take to protect Canadians and our country.”

The NDP’s proposal for a Canada-India committee is modelled on the existing Canada-China committee of parliamentarians, which was created to conduct hearings to examine and review all aspects of the Canada-People's Republic of China relationship, including diplomatic, consular, and security aspects.

A week ago, the RCMP revealed intelligence indicating that India is behind not only electoral interference but also violent crimes, extortions and homicides on Canadian soil. Following that, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified at the Hogue inquiry into foreign interference that there are a number of compromised Conservative MPs and candidates named in intelligence documents only available to Pierre Poilievre if he obtains that clearance. Singh has called on Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to stop refusing to apply for security clearance.

The NDP also called for an emergency debate on India in the House of Commons Monday and called for an emergency meeting of the Public Safety Committee last week, which took place Friday.

Last week, Singh called on the government to work with allies including the United States and United Kingdom to put diplomatic sanctions in place, and to ban the extremist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Network.

“The Canada I believe in is one where people can walk the streets without fear. Where we are all safe at home. Where families never have to wonder if violent, dangerous gang members could be in their neighbourhood. And where all Canadians feel confident that elections are by and for Canadians only.

“Canadians have been hurt. Canadians have been killed. This is not a time for politics. It’s a time for a team Canada approach. It is time to put Canadian safety and Canadian security first.”