Mounties probing leaks on alleged foreign meddling

OTTAWA - The RCMP says it has opened an investigation into possible violations of the Security of Information Act concerning recent media reports about alleged foreign interference.

In a statement to The Canadian Press, the national police force says the probe is not focused on any one security agency.

The Globe and Mail newspaper, citing classified Canadian Security Intelligence Service records, recently said China worked to help ensure a Liberal minority victory in the 2021 general election as well as defeat Conservative politicians considered unfriendly to Beijing.

A Global News report cited anonymous sources alleging CSIS had urged senior Liberal party staff to rescind Han Dong's nomination in a Toronto riding in 2019 due to alleged Chinese interference in his bid to become the Liberal candidate.

CSIS director David Vigneault told a House of Commons committee last week that the spy service and its partners were investigating leaks to the media.

The Mounties say that because an investigation is underway, there will be no additional comment at this time.