OTTAWA – In a dramatic testimony at the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference (PIFI), Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly, revealed that she has been in the dark regarding foreign interference efforts for years. The inquiry coincides with escalating tensions between Canada and India, particularly following the shocking murder of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023.

Nijjar, a prominent advocate for an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan, was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia. This incident has sparked allegations against the Indian government, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing credible evidence linking India to Nijjar's assassination.

In her testimony, Joly expressed her concern about the ongoing threats posed by foreign interference, notably potential further killings orchestrated by foreign actors on Canadian soil. “We’re calling for cooperation from the Indian government because we want to hold all those involved in Nijjar’s murder accountable and prevent any further threats,” she stated. However, Joly confirmed there has been no collaboration from Indian authorities with Canadian law enforcement.

Adding to the weight of these revelations, Joly disclosed that she only learned about Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei's interference in Canadian politics through media reports in May 2023. Zhao had allegedly been collecting intelligence on Conservative MP Michael Chong and was expelled shortly after the news broke. Joly reiterated the need to revamp the process of intelligence transfer and communication to prevent such oversights in the future.

Contradictory views emerged during the inquiry as former public safety minister Marco Mendicino voiced his urgency to clarify allegations of treachery among MPs. He pointed to a report from the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), which stated that some MPs may have unwittingly aided foreign state actors. Mendicino disagreed with the notion that Canada is an “easy target” for foreign interference, highlighting the government's recent measures aimed at bolstering national security.

Mendicino also defended the government's record against accusations of delays in authorizing surveillance warrants, claiming that he efficiently reviewed requests brought to him during his tenure. His assurance contrasts sharply with public concerns about possible complicity or negligence related to foreign influence in Canadian elections.

As the inquiry continues, the fragile relationship between Canada and India remains a focal point, with escalating tensions and calls for transparency on foreign influences in Canadian politics. The urgency for accountability rises as more alarming details emerge, putting lawmakers and national security at the center of a swirling controversy.

Stay tuned, as this story unfolds, potentially reshaping the landscape of Canadian politics and its stance against foreign interference.