Canada’s spy agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), is probing into the Conservative Party of Canada’s 2023 nomination vote in Oxford, according to a report from PressProgress. The subject appears to be Conservative MP Arpan Khanna, who won the nomination following a tumultuous battle earlier that year.
According to the publication, multiple sources within the Conservative Party disclosed that they have heard rumors of CSIS looking into the nomination process, but the exact reason for CSIS’ interest remains unclear. One source, deeply connected to the party and requesting anonymity, revealed that CSIS agents visited them last year, inquiring about the nomination race and raising questions about Khanna’s selection.
The agents reportedly sought information on why Khanna was backed by the party establishment and if there was any connection between Oxford county and India. The source was left with the impression that CSIS believed some irregularities, or as the source put it, “monkey business,” had occurred.
Michael Wilson, legal counsel for the Conservative Party of Canada, and a top field organizer for Pierre Poilievre’s 2022 leadership campaign, denied any knowledge of a CSIS investigation or irregularities in the Oxford nomination race. Wilson emphasized that Khanna, a former Jason Kenney staffer and Ontario co-chair of Poilievre’s campaign, is a proud Canadian with no awareness of foreign interference.
CSIS, in response to the allegations, stated that discussions with Canadians are voluntary and refused to confirm or deny any ongoing investigations. The agency underscored its commitment to protecting the confidentiality of individuals engaging with CSIS.
Dan Stanton, Director of the University of Ottawa’s National Security program and a former executive manager with CSIS, clarified that while nomination races fall outside CSIS’ jurisdiction, investigations into foreign interference do not. Stanton explained that for CSIS to investigate, there must be suspicion of clandestine means used by a foreign state.
“Foreign interference involves foreign states such as the PRC, India or Russia attempting to covertly influence decisions, events or election outcomes to better suit their strategic interests,” a CSIS spokesperson said. “CSIS has observed foreign interference at all levels of government across Canada and across party lines targeting individuals in positions of potential influence.”
PressProgress also noted that in his previous roles, Khanna has “developed contacts with Indian government officials and diaspora community groups in Canada.” He also notes in his LinkedIn profile that he “worked closely with Indian government officials” on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Canada back in 2015.
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