PETERS: Anything less than a public inquiry into foreign interference is unacceptable

It continued, “By raising awareness of these issues, CSIS aims to sensitize Canadians to the threat and help build resilience to protect all that we stand for as a democratic and free Canada.”

I’m raising awareness, too, by raising the issue here, so I guess I’m just like CSIS. Please, don’t call me a hero.

In all seriousness, there are a few issues with that second sentence.

First, it still didn’t tell me what I’m supposed to do as a member of the public.

Bureaucrats and public employees are being told to delete TikTok from their government-issued phones — do I have to do that, too? Sadly, CSIS doesn’t seem to care if I lose touch with the latest dance crazes and diet trends.

Second, knowledge of the alleged Chinese interference in federal elections came out via media leaks from CSIS.

That’s an odd way for a national security agency whose employees are bound to secrecy to raise awareness of a threat.

Finally, building public resilience to foreign interference is kind of a troubling idea.

It implies that CSIS is conceding the first several lines of defence against these puppet masters simply aren’t going to work. We’ll have to be resilient because attempts to interfere are going to happen.

That’s a big red flag. In fact, it’s a white flag.

The entire situation is extremely troubling, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s response has not been nearly serious enough.

It’s alleged China interfered in our elections in order to ensure the Liberals were given power.

Do we trust that this government will want to get to the bottom of a foreign interference campaign that may have benefitted them?

The prime minister has appointed a special rapporteur to advise him whether to hold a public inquiry into the issue of interference.

Scrap that. Just hold a public inquiry.

If it’s important enough that all Canadians should show concern, then it’s important enough for that step.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by James Peters

PETERS: Anything less than a public inquiry into foreign interference is unacceptable

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