OTTAWA — National security adviser Nathalie Drouin has rejected the notion there are traitors in the House of Commons, despite an eyebrow-raising report from a spy watchdog that flagged questions about politicians' loyalties.
The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians said in June that some parliamentarians were "semi-witting or witting" participants in the efforts of foreign states to meddle in Canadian politics.
The blunt but vague assertion by NSICOP, an intelligence watchdog made up of MPs and senators who are sworn to secrecy, prompted a flurry of concern that people knowingly involved in interference might still be active in politics.
Drouin, who advises the prime minister on intelligence matters, told a federal inquiry into foreign interference Wednesday the watchdog's conclusion that some MPs might have acted in a treasonous manner makes her very uncomfortable, because that's not what she sees.
Drouin said she has learned of inappropriate behaviour and lack of judgment on the part of certain politicians.
However, after reviewing the relevant intelligence she found no MPs had engaged in espionage, sabotage or other activities that put the security of Canada at risk.
"I remain extremely confident with respect to the present MPs," Drouin said in French.
Putting forward any other impression diminishes the trust of the Canadian public in the democratic system, she added.
The commission of inquiry's latest hearings are looking at the ability of federal agencies to identify and counter foreign interference. A final report is due by the end of the year.
Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue and her staff have identified and reviewed the intelligence reports referred to in both the classified and public versions of the NSICOP report.
The inquiry has also questioned senior government officials and intelligence agencies behind closed doors about the sensitive findings.
However, Hogue has said she will not be publicly identifying parliamentarians suspected by NSICOP of meddling.
She has cautioned that the NSICOP report's specific allegations are based on classified information, which means the inquiry can neither make them public nor even disclose them to the people in question.
As a result, the inquiry won't be able to provide the individuals with a meaningful opportunity to defend themselves, she said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 9, 2024.
Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press
