Since February, two significant reports have documented the extent to which Chinese Communist Party (CCP) agents have infiltrated Canadian institutions and community organizations. These agents aim to woo or strong-arm Chinese Canadians into promoting Chinese government policies and goals. The most disturbing aspect of both reports is the willingness of Canada's Liberal government to turn a blind eye to this infiltration and its effects on Canadian elections and democratic institutions.
Liberal Government's Complicity
Far from remaining indifferent to China's efforts to find and intimidate leaders of the Chinese-Canadian community, the Liberals seem entirely willing to go along with it. Our government is not moving us farther away from Beijing's sphere of influence but rather deepening our ties to a brutal regime in the name of expanding trade away from the Americans.
First Report: Harnessing the People
Released by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in mid-February, the report estimates that some 2,000 organizations affiliated with the United Front Works Department have been set up in Canada, the U.K., U.S., and Germany. Approximately 600 of those organizations operate in Canada. The United Front is not a spy agency per se, but its pawns would turn over useful intelligence to Chinese authorities. Chinese agents in Canada seek to find Chinese nationals, permanent residents, citizens of Chinese origin, or non-Chinese leaders willing to advance China's agenda. They pressure cultural and community groups to lobby for pro-Beijing policies, support China-friendly candidates in elections, and spread propaganda during international controversies. One favorite tactic is threatening Chinese residents with the safety of their families back home if they do not comply.
Second Report: CSIS Warning
Issued by CSIS earlier this month, the report lists China as the most active infiltrator in Canada, followed by Russia, India, and Pakistan.
Why the Coziness?
So why is Canada's Liberal government so cozy with China's communist government and getting cozier? The short answers are they are not as afraid as they should be of China's malevolent intentions, and it is currently to their political benefit. Many Canadians, especially in central Canada, are wowed by Prime Minister Mark Carney's efforts to move Canada's economy away from dependence on the U.S., even if that means making a pact with treacherous traders in China.
Economic Agreement with China
In January, Carney signed an economic agreement with China, winning a reduction in import restrictions against Canadian canola and seafood. However, he had to agree to let in nearly 50,000 Chinese electric vehicles each year and permit Beijing to operate secret police stations from their consulates in Canada.
